Raymond Emanuel Nolte, was born to Elizabeth nee Schmidt and Gustav Nolte in Rolling Green Township, Martin County on February 7, l912. He was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fairmont on March 10, l912. He attended St Paul's Lutheran School and was confirmed there. He graduated from Fairmont High School in 1930.
Ray married Leola Droegemueller September 25, l938.
Ray worked for Montgomery Wards in Fairmont, Sheldon, Iowa and Brookings, S.Dakota. Ray and Leola returned to Fairmont during WWII where he worked at the Railway Motors. Later he bought a milk route at the Farmer's Creamery. In 1954 they purchased C&L Grocery which they renamed to Nolte's Grocery. They retired 1976 and moved to Truman in 2001.
Ray was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He served as the first Sunday School Superintendent, and under his 10 years the Sunday school grew from 44 to over 400. He also served on many boards and committees.
Ray's favorite pass time was playing cards. He enjoyed all card games but was especially good at zolo, whist, euchre, and 500.
Ray was also an avid sports fan and made many trips with family and friends to watch Gopher football at memorial stadium. Ray passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec 21, 2008 at Truman Senior Living, Truman, MN.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 70 years, Leola Nolte of Truman; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Lola and Mike Skogstad of Rice Lake, WI, and Becky and Bob Wetterberg of St. Paul, MN; 1 granddaughter Jan (Andy) Antczak; 3 grandsons, Matt (Jeni) Skogstad, Brandon (Deb) Wetterberg, and Ryan(Linda) Wetterberg; and 6 great grandchildren, Kenzie and Karlie Antczak, Mariah Skogstad, Molly, Colin, and Sarah Wetterberg.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers.