Jane L. Noll

Jane Herold Noll, age 93, died on Good Friday, April 2 at Gundersen St. Elizabeth's Care Center, Wabasha MN. The oldest of five children, Jane was born to Albert and Leona (Bade) Herold on September 25, 1927 in Winona MN. She grew up on the Alma Bluff near the tiny hamlet of Herold. Jane completed her local education at Herold School and attended weekly services at the Herold Church. It's no wonder that as a little girl whenever Jane heard "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" being performed she thought they were singing about her family! Jane graduated high school from Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis. To pay tuition she worked evenings and weekends at Peterson Drug. Jane thought she wouldn't miss helping on the farm, but she did! After graduation Jane returned home and worked as a secretary at the Alma Dairy. One day a handsome young farmer came in and asked her for a date. Three months later on October 1, 1949 Jane married Andrew Noll at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Alma. Together they provided a loving home for their four children. Jane wasn't raised in the Catholic faith, but was a very devoted member her entire life. It was her charge to assure that all children were baptized and made their confirmation, with herself being a sponsor for many. Jane literally wore "many hats" to Sunday Mass, always carefully coordinated with her outfit! Jane was a busy woman involved in family and school activities, church and community events. There rarely was a weekend when guests weren't being hosted at the farm. Andrew would jokingly say "it's like we're running a bed and breakfast, we just don't get paid for it!" For over twenty years the Noll’s hosted the nuns when they came to teach summer school. The nuns always said they felt like they were "coming home" to the farm. Multiple girls visited from Switzerland. During their stays Jane would teach them English. Deer hunting at the farm certainly wouldn't have gone as smoothly without Jane's help. The hunters ate well and in the early years were even served the evening meal on her fine china in the dining room! Jane was a self-taught seamstress, having learned to sew making Barbie doll clothes. She served as a sewing mentor for many 4-H members. Jane volunteered sewing remembrance bears for Mayo Clinic Hospice. Quilting was one of Jane's passions with her specialty being restoring heirloom quilts. She quilted until her arthritic fingers would no longer allow it. Jane also had a passion for genealogy and co-authored multiple family history books. She had a talent for creative writing. Dozens of family reunions were hosted on the farm over the 57 years Jane and Andrew lived there. Jane was a charter member of the Alma Historical Society, having served as president for many years. She volunteered at the museum most weekends over summer. For 50 years Jane was a member of the Alma Garden Club and worked tirelessly to maintain beautiful flower beds in Alma. She proudly maintained her KOPS status for over 40 years. Jane also was an original member of the "500 birthday dub" playing card games for many decades. Jane is survived by sons; Curtis (Kathy), Mark (Cherie), daughters; Elizabeth (Dale Nuzum) all of Alma, Andrea (Timothy Ryan) of Dresser, grandchildren Scott Noll (Heidi), Angela Noll, Carmen Wik (Brent), Jennifer (Steve) Tuschy, Erika Nuzum, Stephanie Noll, Erin Hilleshiem, Greg (Emily) Noll, Natalie and Jack Ryan, great grandchildren Hannah, Axel, Finley, Hunter, Nessa, EllaMae, Curtis, Hazel, Lincoln, Dominick, Magnus, Harper, Hayden, Abigail, and Elin, twin sister Jeanne Hofer. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, stillborn son Joseph, parents, siblings Lyle and Roger Herold, and Ruth Wald. A visitation will be held Friday, April 9, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma with a rosary at 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day at 11 AM with an hour of visitation prior at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Alma Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the St. Lawrence Organ Fund. Talbot Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.