Eleanor Jane Nolting

Eleanor "Lea" Nolting, beloved Albert Lea kindergarten and United Pre-school teacher who dedicated 35 years of her life to educating young minds, passed away on July 7, 2024, at Guardian Angels by the Lake in Elk River, MN. She was born on August 5, 1928, in Zion, Illinois, to her parents Edwin and Mary Wedekind.

Lea, as she was affectionately known to her friends and family, pursued her passion for teaching after graduating from Minneapolis Southwest High School and obtaining her bachelor's degree in education from Mankato State. 

Outside of her professional life, Lea found joy in various hobbies and interests. She loved playing bridge with friends and found solace in tending to her garden. However, above all else, she enjoyed spending quality time with neighbors at their homes at Oakwood and later at Lake Chapeau, and with her family who held the highest importance in her heart as they are her legacy.

Lea's accomplishments extended beyond the classroom as she devoted herself to various volunteer activities. She generously offered her time and skills to organizations such as the Neave Hospital Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Senior Center, and the United Methodist Church Women's Group.

Lea is survived by her daughter Mary Nolting; son Doug (Stacy) Nolting; grandchildren Christopher (Vuong) Nolting and Emily Nolting; as well as nieces Patty (Bruce) Palmer, Coreen (Larry) Johnson-Wiegel, MaryAnn (Fritz) Biermeier, and Barb (Phillip) Wedekind-Selton; nephews Greg Nolting, Barry (Betty) Yocom, Kurt Crocker, Kent Calhoun, Steven (Kristen) Calhoun, and John (Jolynn) Wedekind; and many other extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert "Bob" Nolting; parents Edwin and Mary Wedekind, sister Charlotte (E. Kent) Calhoun, sisters-in-law Virginia, Lou, and Helen; brother Edwin A (Elizabeth) Wedekind; and brother-in-law Chuck (Wini) Nolting.

A memorial service in Lea's honor will be held at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service in Albert Lea, MN beginning at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024; visitation will begin at 12:00 PM. Eleanor will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Bob, at Fort Snelling Veteran's Cemetery in Minneapolis. 

In lieu of flowers, Lea wished for donations to be made to the United Pre-School of Albert Lea, the Albert Lea Senior Center, or the Albert Lea American Legion.