Obituary of Clarice (Lunaas) Nolte

 

Clarice Mary Ann Rogneby Lunaas Nolte moved home to be with God on October 17th, 2024 in Edina, MN at the age of 95 of natural causes.

She was born on the family’s farm in Evansville, MN on March 11, 1929 to her Norwegian immigrant parents John and Christine Rogneby.  She was the youngest of ten children. 

She was a secretary and librarian at Edina Public Schools for years and always loved her work.

Clarice grew up in Minneapolis. She met her husband, Magne Lunaas while accompanying her mother on a trip home to Norway and they ended up getting married not long after. 

Together they were raising their three children Craig, Britt Ann, and Eric when Magne passed away suddenly in 1980.

She later married Donald Nolte in 1987- they were married for 36 years until Don passed in June 2023 at the age of 96. 

Clarice lived in Edina, MN for most of her life and her home was open to all those she loved and there were constant visitors.

She will be remembered for her kindness and laughter. Her love of God, love for her family and love for so many friends truly defined her.

Clarice was a talented Rosemaling artist (Norwegian folk art form) and would collect Don’s cigar boxes to paint them as gifts for loved ones. She was part of a Norwegian walking group for years on Wednesdays, and they would walk around Mall of America in the winter and Lake Harriet in the summers. 

She and Magne started the Norwegian Kontakt club in Minneapolis. Kontakt hosted many parties over the years. The Rogneby family reunions were one of Clarice’s favorite events, reuniting with everyone from around the country in Hayward, WI in the summers. Clarice loved to travel and explore new places- especially visiting Norway and family. 

Clarice loved God and was a very faith based person all of her life. She and Don so enjoyed attending Cross View Lutheran Church in Edina, MN. She would volunteer and attend Bible Study, as she was a dedicated and active member of the congregation. She always did her daily meditations which included studying the Bible and reflecting on God’s word.

Clarice was incredibly generous to everyone and was the sweetest, most gentle soul. She will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her earth-side, but we know where she is. 

Clarice Nolte is preceded in death by parents Christine and John Rogneby, husband Magne Lunaas, husband Donald Nolte and all nine of her siblings. She is survived by children Craig (Kimberly) Lunaas, Eric (Michele) Lunaas, Britt (Joe) Portillo, Anne (David) Luther, daughter in law Elizabeth (Don) Leeper, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other extended family members and friends. 

The family would like to send a huge thank you to Pastor Steve Wheeler, Rev. Rich Phenow, all of the staff at Heritage of Edina, Allina Health Hospice, and NC Little Hospice for taking such great care of Clarice (and Don) at the end of their lives. 

 

Celebration of Life Service - Wednesday November 13th, 2024

Cross View Lutheran Church, 6645 McCauley Trail W, Edina, MN  55439

Visitation 10:00am - Service 11:00am

All are welcome.

Memorials are welcome to be dedicated to Cross View Lutheran Church.

Private interment at a later date at Lakewood Cemetery.