Sharen L. Nolte, 83, of Moro, IL, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026.
She was born on February 19, 1943, in Alton, IL, the daughter of Hugh A. and Marjorie J. (Bell) Gallagher.
Sharen married Nelson H. Nolte on November 18, 1961, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. Together they shared 64 years of marriage and built a loving family. Nelson survives.
As a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, she served as Preschool Director for 19 years. She then became a financial planner until her retirement with Edward Jones in 2006. Sharen lived life to the fullest and was always ready to try something new, such as running a marathon at age 59, bungee jumping, or learning to tap dance. She loved golfing with friends, traveling both internationally and in the US, and spending winters in Hawaii with Nelson. Most of all, she treasured the time spent with her family and friends. Her kindness and devotion to her family will be sorely missed.
Along with her husband, Nelson, she is survived by her children, Sherry (Gregory) Miller of Creve Coeur, MO, Annette (John) Scheibal of Edwardsville, IL, Nikki (Thad) Vuagniaux of Edwardsville, IL, and Nelson D. (Amy) Nolte of Clarkson Valley, MO; siblings, Vicki (Phil) Engelke of Hamel, IL, Diana (Darrell) Frey of Midway, IL, and Hugh E. (Paula) Gallagher of Pocahontas, IL; sisters-in-law, Eunice Johnson of Bethalto, IL and Cheryl Gallagher of Wood River, IL; nine grandchildren, Lauren (Nate) Morris, Nathan (Megan) Miller, John (Lauren) Scheibal, Jacob (Daniella) Scheibal, Lucas (Hannah) Scheibal, Kayleigh Vuagniaux, Will Nolte, Beth Nolte, and Sam Nolte; and four great-grandchildren, Alex, Jonah, and Zoe Morris and Dean Scheibal.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Daniel Gallagher, and brother-in-law, Robert Johnson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 9:30 am until time of service at 11:00 am, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. Pastor Kale Hanson will officiate. Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home will handle the final arrangements.
Inurnment will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund, 625 Church Dr., Bethalto, IL 62010.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
