Obituary of Gerald Nolte

Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Nolte, Age 88, of St. Anthony Park, died suddenly in his home on February 9, 2024.

Dr. Nolte was a specialist in agricultural marketing and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in farm management and livestock, dairy, and grain marketing. He was named the Distinguished Teacher of the Year at University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1980, where he taught Agricultural Economics. He was a member of the American Agricultural Economics Association, the American Association of University Professors, and The Association of University of Wisconsin Faculty. In his retirement, he continued working with the Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners Farmer-to-farmer program, making many trips to work with the farmers of Ocotal, Nicaragua as a Professor Emeritus.

In keeping with his love of helping people and learning about other cultures, Jerry also served as President of the Board of Directors for the International Institute of Minnesota for many years. He traveled all over the world as a volunteer for numerous organizations including ACDI/VOCA, The Partners for the Americas, the Wisconsin Nicaragua partnership, and USAID. He received the President’s Volunteer Service Award under Barack Obama in 2007.

Closer to home, Jerry was a member of the Mayor’s Community Advisory Committee of the St. Paul Job Corps Center in Como Park. He also played long and influential roles in the Music in the Park series. He joined the Board of Directors in 1992 and served as Treasurer for most of that time until Music in the Park merged with the Schubert Club in 2010. Jerry then served on the Schubert Club Board of Directors for two three-year terms.

In addition to his many accomplishments, he was also a skilled carpenter and woodworker, dedicated church member, friend of the library, political advocate, fine arts enthusiast, helpful neighbor, loyal friend, and loving Father and Grandfather. He will be remembered for his generosity and kindness, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, William and Ester Nolte; his siblings, Russ, Barbara, and Pat Nolte; and his children, William “Bill” Nolte and Kristin Nolte Sperry. He is survived by his former wife, Joan Nolte; granddaughter, Nikki Sperry; and grandson, Alex Sperry, all of St. Anthony Park.

A memorial service will be held at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church on March 16th starting at 10:00am. Memorials in Gerald’s name can be made to the Wisconsin Nicaragua Partnership, ACDI/VOCA, St. Anthony Park Public Library, St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, or wherever else you would like.