Elnora A. (Nolte) Fritsch

Elnora Anna (Nolte) Fritsch, daughter of Alfred Martin and Toma Adeline (Fischer) Nolte, was born August 8, 1924, near Auburn, Nebraska. She was the youngest of four children. Elnora was baptized at St. Paul Hickory Grove Church by Rev. Theo Streng and confirmed at Martin Luther Church by Rev. Wm. Fruehling.

She attended Clifton, Dewey, and Independence rural schools. After graduating from the 8th grade, she remained in the family home and became the homemaker.

On February 5, 1948, she was united in marriage to Willard Fritsch at the Martin Luther Church by Rev. Wm. Fruehling. They were the parents of two children, Diane and Wesley.

Soon after their marriage, Willard and Elnora moved to their farm west of Stella. They lived there for nearly fifty years. After Willard’s death in June 1997, Elnora remained on the farm for almost twenty-one more years.

She enjoyed being a farm wife, telling many of her friends and relatives that she was born to be a farmer’s wife, as she spent much time outdoors with Willard and later Wesley, helping with the activities of the farm. She and Willard found great pleasure in square dancing. She loved music, enjoyed reading and helping with quilting at church. Elnora enjoyed sending cards to friends and family for any and all occasions, and loved receiving cards in return. Her family was her greatest source of joy. She also treasured her many friends.

When her health no longer allowed, Elnora moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Auburn on February 5, 2018, where she passed away on November 26, 2018, having reached the age of 94 years, 3 months, and 18 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Willard Fritsch, brothers August, Martin, and Hillrich Nolte, and sister-in-law Emma Nolte.

Elnora is survived by her daughter, Diane (David) Curtin of Overland Park, KS; son, Wesley Fritsch and special friend, Roxanne Sailors of Stella; grandchildren, Mike Curtin of Kansas City, MO, Julie (Dan) Kellerman of Shawnee, KS, Cori (Adam) Rademacher of Auburn; great-grandsons, Tayber and Barett Rademacher, Alex and James Kellerman; other relatives and many friends.

A funeral service will be Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at St. James (Long Branch) Lutheran Church near Humboldt, officiated by Rev. Amalia Spruth-Janssen, burial will follow in St. James Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn on Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 5:00 to 6:30.