Nancy J. Boldt passed from this life on December 2, 2017, at the age of 86, in Helena, MT where she had resided since 2013.
Nancy was born outside of Fort Collins, Colorado on August 25, 1931. She was the youngest in a large immigrant family of 11. Her parents, Conrad and Elizabeth, arrived in America in 1908 from the Volga Region of Russia, and joined many “Germans from Russia” who relocated to find a better life in the U.S. Her parents worked hard in the beet fields of Colorado while they raised their 3 girls and 8 boys. Nancy’s mother died young and Nancy moved frequently to be raised by her brothers who had landed in the San Francisco area after WWII. She ultimately ended up back in Fort Collins to live with her sister, Leah (Lee), during the 1940’s, where she met the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) E. Boldt. He had just returned from Japan at the end of WWII in 1946 and was securing his bachelor’s degree in Forestry at Colorado State University where then Nancy and he met at the drug store where Nancy worked as a soda jerk. They married September 3, 1950 and began their life together transferring frequently for Chuck’s work with the U.S. Forest Service (Marquette, MI; Lincoln NE; and finally, their favorite location of all, the Black Hills of South Dakota). During those vagabond years, Nancy and Chuck began to grow their family of four girls: Pam, Stephanie, Penny and Lori. After raising her girls, Nancy worked in the school system as a lunch clerk and office assistant, even subbing in a pinch. Chuck passed away too soon in 1985, and Nancy made her own way keeping busy with her friends, her church and playing sports at the Senior Center in Rapid City. She was always athletic, and achieved many medals during the Senior Olympics in volleyball, pickle ball, and badminton, with longtime companion Riney Lind. She made many trips to Fort Collins to visit her sister, as well as the Tri-Cities, Helena, Omaha and Anchorage to visit her girls and their growing families. She was Grandma to nine grandkids, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Nancy maintained her independence until 2013, when she moved to Helena to live closer to her youngest daughter, Lori. She enjoyed watching her grandsons, Ian and Aidan, play soccer and attended as many of their high school activities as she could.
Despite many challenges and hardships Nancy remained committed to her faith in God. Throughout life she carreid the hardworking ethic learned on the farm. Beloved by those who knew her, she was warm and welcoming to everyone she met and was known for her charm and wonderful personality. She looked for the positive in life and the good in people. She was generous and sought to find and provide words of wisdom on how to face each day no matter how difficult or challenging. She was a loving and devoted mother to her girls and, to the end, was their greatest supporter. She remained spry and energetic throughout her life, and her beauty and enthusiasm will never be forgotten.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Chuck, her daughter Pam, her two sisters and eight brothers, and her parents.
Nancy will be laid to rest this summer in South Dakota at the Black Hills VA National Cemetery alongside Chuck.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Nancy are suggested to Alzheimer’s and Aging Research Center by visiting their website at https://www.charities.org/charities/americas-charities or mailing to 14150 Newbrook Drive, Suite 110, Chantilly, VA 20151 or by visiting there web.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Nancy.
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Lori FitzGerald says
Memories from her daughters
Penny:
Years ago, my mom gave me a special small glass ball engraved with Jesus’ command “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” I carried that with me everywhere I went. To this day, I realize it embodied the essence of my mom and her life. She knew it was important that I develop a strong foundation of what is right by guiding me to attend Sunday school, summer bible camps, church choir and communion. Every day she was an example of those positive beliefs.
As a young girl, she would take me to a senior home a few blocks from our house to visit with the elderly, teaching me selflessness and what that message truly meant. I watched her warm and welcoming spirit with everyone she met. She looked for the positive in life and the good in people. She continued to serve the elderly as a volunteer at the senior center well into her later years. She never stopped giving to her family, friends, new acquaintances and was always there to help others.
I loved traveling home to visit mom in her cozy apartment. She was such a wonderful welcoming host and made sure you were totally comfortable, even giving up her bed for me to sleep in. We would have such fun cooking meals together or she would take me to her favorite places to eat. She loved to be active, every visit was filled with great walks around her favorite Canyon Lake Park or trips to the Senior center for participation in active sports. We would take great road trips together over the years. The time spent driving was never tedious or boring as we chatted, her loving spirit was infectious and made time fly by as she provided many special memories and pearls of wisdom.
Despite many challenges, hardships and heartbreaks my mom remained committed to her faith in God and sought to face each day with love in her heart. I will seek to spend every day honoring her memory and the love she brought into my life.
Stephanie:
One of Mom’s strongest qualities was her desire for finer things. It showed in her home, her clothes, and how she took care of her four daughters. She did her best and wanted the best for those she loved. I remember at least once that shopping for school clothes was no ordinary task in Mom’s eyes. We didn’t go to the store downtown. No, we traveled to Denver, the shopping capital of the area, and returned home with school clothes no one else had. Mom taught us all to seek nothing less than the best.
Dad and Mom came to visit every time a grandchild was born. They were very devoted and, of course, brought the best and most needed gifts. In later years, when everyone was grown up, visits were less frequent because Mom traveled alone. I do remember the last visit she made to Omaha. I was in Toastmasters at the time and had been preparing a speech about her life. She was able to attend the meeting with me and hear the speech. The club members met her and it was special for everybody.
The last major trip Mom made was with her three daughters, Stephanie, Penny and Lori. We went to Rapid City, South Dakota, our hometown, and did sightseeing, enjoyed eating out and stayed downtown on the 9th floor of the famous Alex Johnson Hotel. We wore Mom out with all our excursions, but it was memorable and enjoyable for all. Mom also saw some dear friends she had left behind when she moved to Montana.
Although Mom traveled less, the trips she did make were always notable. One I recall was when my late sister Pam drove her to my home in Omaha, Nebraska. Pam was determined we would have fun together. We spent most of our time in the car seeking out restaurants and shopping areas. Pam treated us to almost all our meals out. Another trip where Mom fell into bed exhausted every night!
Lori
Mom spent many hours sitting in the sun on my patio or the back porch, having a cocktail, and when asked what she would like, would respond each time with “bring me the whole bottle”. She was always able to joke and laugh and tease, no matter how poorly she felt that day.
She was sweet and strong and stubborn, and I will truly miss her. I treasure the time I was able to spend with her during her last chapter of life, as her caregiver, advocate, champion and sunshine.
Charlotte Roy says
I am so sorry for your loss!!! She did make the world a brighter place and I will miss her dearly!!
Kaimy Marks says
Nancy was a true ally and friend to my mom Kathy Gannon while at Touchmark. The two had their own kind of connection and attempted to problem-solve together. I could tell she was a kind and loving soul the minute I met her. Those blue eyes were the kindest I’d ever seen. Blessings to her family and her beloved daughters. Words can’t express the sorrow of losing a loving mother, my heart goes out to you all. Keep those wonderful memories of her close!
Adeline V. says
To the Family and friends of Nancy Jeanne Boldt. I often write to those who have lost their dear loved ones, knowing the pain and sorrow that it brings to all. We are not without hope, God sees our heartaches. He created life and will restore the lives of many who have fallen asleep in death. John 5:28,29 and Acts 24:15 I pray that his words bring you comfort and hope.
Sincerely, Adeline V.
jw.org
Tom Ecker says
Where to begin with my gratitude for Nancy? I was a young elementary school teacher in 1979. Nancy was the cafeteria clerk. She was so concerned about me eating that she would deliver extra lunches for me to take home for supper. She also had me over to their beautiful home on occasion. My own parents moved to Rapid City in 1983, into a home just a couple blocks from Nancy. Soon my own mom had to have heart surgery. Sweet Nancy made an effort to get to know her and walked with her to help with her recover. I can assure anyone that she was beyond proud of her daughters! What a tremendous loss, but what a great person to try and aspire to. God places people like Nancy here on Earth for good reasons. She made a difference in my life.
Wanda Kincaid says
Was saddened to read of Nancy’s passing in the Journal today. She was a sweet, lovely lady and enjoyed having her for a neighbor for so many years. My deepest sympathy to you girls and your family. May God give you Strength and your loving memories comfort you.
Joan Hutton says
My mom (Moreen Perkins) was a friend of Nancy’s from church. She lost touch in the last several years and often remarked that she wished she knew how and where Nancy was. My mom passed away November 15th. You are in my thoughts and prayers, losing a mom is hard.