James H. Nolte, 97, of Great Bend and Stafford, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025. He was born on May 19, 1927, on his family’s farm in Stafford County to John and Elizabeth (Ukens) Nolte. He married Fern A. Langrehr on June 13, 1948, in Hudson, Kan. She preceded him in death on March 13, 2007. 

James served in the Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged, ranking as Master Sargeant. He worked as a Senior Completion Engineer with Dressler Industries in Great Bend until his retirement. He then served as county commissioner in Barton County. James was a Boy Scout Troop Leader, member of the Masonic Lodge #15, York Rite, Knights of the York Rite Cross of Honour, Scottish Rite 33 degree, Elks Lodge, and American Legion Argonne Post 180. He was a member of First Christian Church. 

Survivors include three sons, J. Douglas Nolte (Kim) of Salisbury, Md., Dale L. Nolte (Joyce) of Fort Collins, Colo., Keith A. Nolte (Cindy) of Wichita; brother, Roy Nolte of Hoisington; grandchildren, Kelly Miller (Mark), Ashlyn Ennis (Bruce), Alex Nolte (Erica), Reed Nolte; great grandchildren, Cole Miller, Sullie Ennis, Grayson Ennis, and Brooks Ennis. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at First Christian Church with Reverend William F. Johnson presiding. Burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery in Hudson with Ft. Riley Honor Guard and Masonic Rites. Visitation will take place from noon. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with family receiving from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Sunflower Travel Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 22, 2025