Denise D. Nolda

Lincoln — Denise Diane (Dexter) Nolda, 65, of Lincoln, formerly of Bartlett, died peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Country House in Kearney surrounded by the love of her husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren after a long and courageous battle with muscular dystrophy and dementia.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Homer Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the funeral home in Kearney.

Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Bartlett Cemetery in Bartlett.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Born Oct. 17, 1959, in O'Neill, Denise grew up on a ranch nestled in the Sandhills, where she developed the resilience, determination and strong-willed spirit that would carry her throughout her life. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 1978 and went on to attend cosmetology school in Grand Island. Denise built a successful career as a cosmetologist in Lincoln, where her clients became lifelong friends, and her artistry left a lasting impression.

In 1980, she married the love of her life Keith Nolda. Together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure and family. Denise had a passion for traveling, discovering new wines and camping under the stars—but above all, her greatest joy came from her family. Her son Jason, along with his wife Jenn, blessed her with four grandchildren—AJ, Gavin, Brynn and Finn—who became the very heart of her world.

Christmas was Denise's favorite time of year, and she made it magical for her family. Her tradition of decorating the tree with her grandkids and making chocolate-covered pretzels will remain a treasured memory and a legacy of love for years to come.

Later in life, Denise experienced a moment of deep peace and grace as she accepted the Lord as her Savior at her daughter-in-law Jenn's dining room table with Pastor Dean by her side. Her faith gave her comfort, and she faced her final days with strength and dignity.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to AseraCare Hospice for their compassionate care and the dignity they provided Denise during her final journey. Your guidance and grace will never be forgotten.

Denise's strength, loyalty and unwavering love left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she has left this world, her spirit lives on in the traditions she created, the faith she embraced and the family she cherished so deeply.

Denise is survived by her mother Dorothy Dexter; her husband Keith Nolda; her son Jason (Jenn); four grandchildren AJ, Gavin, Brynn and Finn; six siblings JR Dexter, Jeff Dexter, Bob Dexter, Brian Dexter, Becky Hoffman (Dexter) and Natalie Harrington (Dexter); and a host of extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father Lawrence Dexter. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hlmkfuneral.com.