Joshua Michael Nolte

Joshua Michael Nolte was born January 2, 1985, to Marvin and Patricia Nolte. At home, Josh was welcomed by two older brothers, Jason and Jeremy “JJ.” We say welcomed, but hey, they’re brothers; they did their fair share of bodily harm. Too close to Christmas and just after New Years, Josh turned his birthday into its own holiday; never intermingling with surrounding holidays as they could only pale in comparison to the shiny new guy in town, who would come to bring joy to all who encountered him. Josh fell for the love of his life, Julia, when they were just teenagers. Though they had been together for 7 years before setting a wedding date (one that gave them just 3 short months to plan) in December of 2009, Josh turned into Martha F’n Stewart, making sure their celebration was as beautiful as his bride. Together, they built a lovely life and brought two brilliant boys, Jaxson and Jameson, into the world. 

Josh was Josh, unapologetically authentic and truly one of a kind. Lighting up every room he walked into with his bright smile and neon shoes, Josh was someone you could always count on for a laugh or the biggest hug. Strangers weren’t strangers for long, Josh could (and would) converse with anyone, probably in part how he came to be known as “the guy who knows a guy.” The saying should be a “Josh of all trades,” because of the expansive set of skills that he continuously curated. The hardest worker, dedicated and loyal to those he loved, and driven by the desire to always do better and be the best he could for the people who were so proud of him, Josh inspired others to keep growing too. He loved to get fancy in the kitchen, winning awards and warming hearts (and bellies) with his culinary creations. He believed in “work hard, play hard” and play hard he did; Josh could be your emergency contact person, or the reason you needed to call an emergency contact. He loved gardening and getting outside as often as he could. His spontaneity amplified his avid adventuring and the many road trips taken cross-country (often on his motorcycle, tagging along with his Uncle John).  

A storyteller through and through (all of which were true), Josh had an anecdote for anything and loved leaving you with, “Don’t be an Idiot.” If he took the time to tease you, he truly loved you. Josh knew that not all stories are spoken, some are sung, and music meant so much to him. Live music and the memories made while singing and sweating together like sardines in the “standing room only” section will be remembered forever. While he did love the big and shiny things (an external expression of his limitless personality), being present and showing up for the people he put first and the memories made were ultimately the most important things to him. Josh was never too busy for anyone and was known to stop whatever he was doing at the drop of a hat if he got a call asking for his help. Mr. Rogers reminded us to “look for the helpers” in our neighborhoods when we are scared and uncertain; Josh was a helper, ready to lend a hand or give a hug when things got hard. He made a point to help people feel safe and supported.

Josh, the realest ride or die, ready for any rescue, writing “Nolte’s Rule” wherever and whenever he could, will be remembered for being quick to laugh, loving wholeheartedly, painting the lemons he was given in life golden, and (as he learned from Uncle John) leaving the world a better place than it was before we were blessed by his existence.  

We love you forever, Josh, intergalactically.  

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