Laura Lee (Patton) Nolden, 68, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025 at her home surrounded by her husband, 4 daughters, and 9 grandkids. She was able to stay at home thanks to Agrace Home Care and their wonderful healthcare team. She fought cancer for 3 years and was able to live that long thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel at the many UW cancer centers throughout Madison.

Laura was born in Midland, Texas on November 21, 1956. At the age of 3, her family moved to the Grand Canyon in Arizona where she grew up and stayed through high school. She made her way to Reno, Nevada and, in April of 1980, was hired by Dick Nolden to be his secretary in the Purchasing Department at Circus Circus Hotel Casino. That office job turned into a love affair that lasted just shy of 44 years. In August of 1981, Laura and Dick were married. After 7 years in Reno and 3 daughters, they packed up and headed to a farm west of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. It was there they added a 4th daughter.

Besides raising 4 daughters, Laura worked in special education for the Sauk Prairie School District for more than 20 years. She had a special ability to connect and teach so many students no matter what they needed help with.

Laura and Dick loved to travel together, often chasing their children around the globe. Since Laura's retirement 3 years ago, they have been to Qatar, China, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, along with many places in the U.S. such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, New York City, Myrtle Beach, Smoky Mountains, and many more.

Laura is survived by her husband, Dick, their 4 daughters, Jessica (Josh) Kirchstein, Courtney (Travis) Beuthin, Heather (William) Brooks, Kymberly Nolden, their 9 grandkids, and her sisters, Maggie and Donna, who live in Arizona.

A visitation for Laura will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wed. March 19th, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 300 Second St., Baraboo.  A visitation will take place the morning of mass from 10:00 am until 10:45 at the church with a eulogy will be shared prior the service.

Laura's family asks that in lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her name for students in need in the Sauk Prairie School district.