Sandra Lee Nolte, 87, of Burlington, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Sandra, known as “Sandy” to her family and friends, was born July 6, 1937, in Burlington, the daughter of John Frederick Rolf and Emily Christine Peterson Rolf. She married Robert Frederick Nolte, Jr. on Sept. 2, 1961.
Sandy was a 1955 graduate of Burlington High School. She worked as a secretary over a span of 29 years in the following businesses: Riley Brothers, Inc.; CB&Q West Burlington Shops; Des Moines County Farm Bureau; International Resistance Co.; James Madison Middle School; and Burlington Community High School. She met and dealt with many people over the years, and totally loved her work.
Sandy was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Luke United Church of Christ, where she and husband Bob were actively involved in its programs. She was a member of Sarah Circle and the Women’s Fellowship, and served as church secretary. She wrote and directed programs for family nights, banquets, birthday luncheons and special events. She directed the Youth Choir during the 1970s. She joined the Adult Choir at age 15 and sang with the group for 60 years, serving as director for the last 23 – a great joy of her life. Known for her beautiful soprano voice, she often was asked to sing for weddings and funerals at numerous churches throughout the Burlington area.
Sandy and older sister Jackie both began singing at the age of five, often performing duets together throughout their school years and beyond. Sandy had her first solo in first grade, in the Christmas program for P.T.A. at Grimes Grade School. She sang “Silent Night” that day and kept singing throughout her lifetime. Sandy took piano and voice lessons, and also had artistic talent and loved to draw. She designed several music program covers for Horace Mann Junior High concerts. She later appeared in one play and four musicals at the Player’s Workshop, singing the lead in “The Fantasticks” at age 25.
One of Sandy’s greatest joys was joining Bel Canto Chorale. She and her sister were original members, singing with the group for ten years. Husband Bob and brother-in-law Ray joined the group as well, and Sandy and Bob performed a duet in one of Bel Canto’s programs. She also designed program covers for the group’s concerts, and even hand-painted several huge tri-fold scenery backdrops for the group’s “After 8” performance.
Sandy Rolf Nolte loved her family dearly! She cherished friendships made over the years met regularly with “Red Hat” and “Lunch Bunch” groups. She loved all social events where she could visit and catch up on friends’ news. Sandy had a smile for everyone, and as she would tell you, “Always look for the joy in every day.”
Survivors include one daughter, Leann Nolte of Fairfield, Iowa; three nieces and one nephew: Jean Taylor Bailey of Parker, CO; Stacey Taylor of Amarillo, TX; Cheryl Dreiling Stewart of McKinney, TX; Chris Dreiling of Carrolton, TX; and several great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, brother-in-law Ray Taylor, sister-in-law Jane Dreiling, and nephew Steve Taylor.
The funeral service for Sandy will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at St. Luke United Church of Christ with Rev. Randy Webster officiating. A one-hour visitation will be held prior to the service where the family will be meeting with friends. Burial will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Lunning Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.