Olive Mae “Buzzy” Wolter, 93, Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on July 26, 2025, at Mill Valley Nursing Home in Bellevue, Iowa.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, a wake service will be held at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 1, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church with Fr. Andy Upah officiating. Burial will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery. A livestream of the funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Olive was born on August 25, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Oliver “OJ” and Iris (Wilmot) Keller. She married Alois Wolter on December 7, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa, and was a homemaker.

She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Alois; daughters, Terry (Ron) Sheedy, Tracey (Mark) Hueneke, Trudy (Jeff) Theisen, Tammy (Don) Zimmer; sons, Tim (Jill) Wolter and Toby (Nicole) Wolter; 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, five bonus grandchildren, and 10 great bonus grandchildren; siblings, Helen Gourley, John and Marilyn Keller; in-laws Joan Lester Keller, Harry (Sharon) Wolter, RuthAnn (Jerry) Burger, Barbara Jean Tuthill, Janet Wolter, Rosemary Wolter, Barb Wolter, Karen Wolter.

Olive was preceded in death by her son Thomas Wolter, her parents, her mother and father-in-law Harold and Barbara; siblings, Oliver “Wimpy” Keller, Dorothy (Mickey) Marty, Doris “Cookie” (Ron) Kuehn, Dolores “Toots” (Don) Jungblut, Ruth (Ed) Neyens, Peter (Carol) Keller); in-laws, Don Gourley, Rosemary (Earl) Fagen, Lavern Wolter, Loren Wolter, Duane Wolter, Denny Wolter and Tom Tuthill.

Buzzy Wolter had so many relatives and she loved the family she was born into, the one she married into, and the one she created and all the in-laws and added on people that make up the word “family”.  She was a friend, an organizer, a leader, an active parishioner, and an all-around hardworking and loving person. She had so many skills that she used to the benefit of others. Through her example, she taught others to be loving, hardworking, and to share their skills. She was a woman of deep faith and a strong prayer life. The love she had for Al was ever present, even when she had some choice words for him. Buzzy could be feisty, they did tease and laugh, listen and respect, fight and make up; however, love was and is constant for them through all the joy and all the pain of life. It is all part of their great love story.

Buzzy graduated Immaculate Conception Academy. She asked Al to her Spring Prom her Junior year, because it was an all-girl school. He had finally worked his way into her heart; she was not an easy catch. She was preparing for a career in nursing before her marriage to Al. They lived in several homes from the small quarters at Al’s parents’ home, to the duplex at Alpine Street with the Marty’s (Buzzy sister) and then Duane’s (Al’s brother) family, to the farm, to the new home by St. Catherine’s. The homes are filled with memories: from making an ice-skating rink on the blacktop, to horse rides, to gardens, to sandbars, and the so many celebrations of holidays and birthdays.

There are several memories/skills that come to mind when reflecting upon and honoring the life of Buzzy Wolter. Grandchildren looked forward to the chocolate chip cookies, their own roll of cookies every Christmas. St. Catherines’ parish appreciated the pies and chili and numerous donations for parish events and Buzzy being in the Ladies Rosary Society. The Mosalem Busy Bees 4H Club knew her as a leader for years, teaching food and nutrition, sewing, and home improvement; plus, all the fair events and trips.  Nieces and nephews have memories of her welcoming them to stay at the farm. Some will remember the farm as a refuge where Buzzy offered them warm meals and a bed. Of course, she was a great neighbor with the Trappistine Sisters and they were a blessing to her. FunNSun Resort in San Benito, Texas knew Buzzy for many roles. She was the chairperson for the Iowa potlucks. She played shuffleboard and wove baskets. Each night had cards or bingo or some program with friends because Buzzy and Al loved the people they met. Buzzy could be found almost every morning swimming laps in the pool and visiting afterwards.

Looking at her descendants, you see her many skills passed down from mother to children to grandchildren. Using just a needle, thread and scissors, Buzzy made the baptismal gown that was worn by all her children and many grandchildren.  Luckily, she had a machine for making the family clothes and even wedding dresses. Sewing is skilled passed down; as is canning.  Buzzy’s dill pickles (recipe from Joanne) must be homemade, is loved, and still being enjoyed. Many descendants are good cooks, including baking breads, pies, and of course, cookies. Reading good books is loved by many. Swimming, boating, and sandbars give our family connection to the memories of Massey Station with Buzzy’s parents and siblings. Buzzy could ride a disc and turn in a circle as she was pulled over the water and she floated in total relaxation. Many have her love of the water, and some, her skills.

Buzzy loved her family, friends, and community. She loved God and her faith and her husband. Her smile showed the joy in her heart. Working hard was part of her life, but so was camping and traveling and laughing and having great friendships. Buzzy was both blessed with a wonderful long life and a blessing to those who knew her. She was greatly loved by her children, their spouses, and all the grandchildren.

Our family is grateful for the many caring people who assisted our family in the care of our parents. Our hearts are full of appreciation for all who visited and brought gifts to their home. A special thank you is extended to Ryan, Virginia, and Tabrica, who spent many dedicated hours with Buzzy and Al. We thank Mills Valley Care Center and Jackson County Hospice for their dedication to the elderly and the comfort and care given to Buzzy in her final days.

Al Wolter is residing at Mills Valley Care Center, 1201 Park Street, Bellevue, IA 52031, should you care to send him a card of condolence.  In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to the Saint Catherine Cemetery, or wishes of the family. Our hearts are grieving her and our faith believes she is resting in peace. May Buzzy remain in your heart and in your prayers.