Dana Dwaine Nolta

Dana Dwaine Nolta, 78, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026 in his home in Ferryville, WI.  Dana was born April 6, 1948, to Velma (Vallie) Peterson and Harlan Nolta in Austin, MN.  Dana grew up and went to school in Preston, MN.  At 19 he moved to the Beloit, WI area and started working at Chrylser.  After 30 years he retired from Chrysler.  He then drove truck for a few years, delivering live pheasants around the U.S.A.

In 1966 he married Penny Berg and had Kellie, they later divorced.  From 1969-1971 he served in the Army in Vietnam.  In 1974 he married Cindy Laack and accepted Bernice and Mike into his heart, they later divorced.  In 1988 he married Brenda (Boo Boo) Boland and accepted Trish into his heart.  After Boo Boo’s passing, Dana and Marilyn found each other in 2019, and he accepted her family into his heart.  Dana had a huge heart and unending supply of love. 

Dana was very active riding his Harleys, boating, kayaking, swimming in the Mississippi, going to concerts or bars where a band he liked was playing, dancing anywhere music played, playing pool and having a few beers.  In the winters was skiing and snowmobiling.  Every year for his vacation he would leave the U.S. A. to explore and make new friends in other countries, mostly in the Caribbean.  No matter where he went, he made new friends.  Dad’s biggest joy was the time he spent with his family making happy memories.  He always had a smile and hug for us no matter what.  His advice and help was honest and straight forward, but always given with love.  If one thing could be said for Dana it is “He enjoyed life.”

Dana is survived by his daughter Kellie (John) Gartner-Nolta of Austin, MN; stepdaughters, Bernice (Manuel) Ramirez of Waukegan, IL, and Trish Boland (Scott Leonard) of Spencer, WI; brother Larry (Marlene) Nolta of Beloit, WI; sister Valjean (Joquin) Macias of Beloit, WI; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, and even great-great nieces and nephews.

Dana was preceded in death by his mother, Velma (Vallie) Nota; wife Brenda “Boo Boo” Nolta; sister Nancy Clearland; stepson and daughter-in-law Mike and Stephanie Laack; and many relatives

Dana’s last words for family and friends were, “I love them… It’s been a great ride... Cry a little, smile a lot.”

We would like to thank Kelly and Ed Slayton of the Wooden Nickel for volunteering to have Dana’s Celebration of Life at his favorite hangout. Family will be holding a Celebration of Life Saturday August 15, 2026 from 2 – 5 PM at the Wooden Nickel in Ferryville.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services are assisting the family.   

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