June 20, 1967 – July 25, 2025
James Victor Nolte, affectionately known as Jimmie or Otis to his friends and family, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, as a result of injuries sustained in an accident.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Becker & Son Funeral Home in Sumner from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will begin at 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the American Legion Hall in Sumner. Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.
Born on June 20, 1967, to Victor and Marilyn (Cole) Nolte, Jim was a proud son of Sumner, Iowa. He received his Sacraments at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and graduated from Sumner Community Schools with the Class of 1985. His love for Sumner and the surrounding area was so deep that he was rarely tempted to venture beyond his beloved corner of the world.
Shortly after graduation, Jim began his lifelong career as a farmer, working side by side with his father, Victor, and his brother, Mark. Jim was as much a part of the land as the crops he so tenderly cultivated. He took equal pride in caring for the livestock that helped shape the rhythm of life on the farm.
On August 12, 2018, Jim married the love of his life, Katie Meighan, on the very farm he cherished. Together, they shared a journey rooted in the love of life. They created a sanctuary for their family and friends, filling it with laughter, warmth, and unconditional love—alongside their beloved pets: dogs Gus, Boomer, Nellie, and Buster the cat.
Jim’s dedication to the soil was matched only by his unwavering commitment to his community and friends. Known for his generosity and strong work ethic, his hands—often stained with earth or speckled with paint—were always ready to lend help to anyone in need. Whether solving a problem or jumping into a project, Jim’s talents and time were freely given.
Beyond the fields, Jim found joy in life’s simpler treasures. He was an avid collector of antique signs and Tonka Trucks and spent countless hours curating his workshop with his prized finds. His creativity knew no bounds—whether working with wood or metal, each of his creations reflected his gift for turning raw materials into something meaningful and beautiful.
Jim also had a deep love for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies; they were ways for him to connect with the land and the wildlife he so deeply respected.
Jim lived his life with an open heart and hands always ready to build, cultivate, and embrace those around him. His laughter—and the sound of his raspy voice telling a good story—will echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His presence was a source of comfort, joy, and strength.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Katie of Sumner; his children, Soren Petersen of Cedar Falls and Norah Petersen of Sumner; his siblings, Al (Lisa) Nolte of Waverly, Lynn Nolte of Waverly, and Mark Nolte of Sumner; his parents-in-law, Betty and David Meighan; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sara (Steve) Lindner of DeWitt and Beth (Arun) Palanivel of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; nieces and nephews, Ben and Nate Nolte, Jill Nolte, Clara and Elston Lindner, and Kavi Palanivel; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Randy Nolte, and his niece Molly Nolte.
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