Hilda “Lou” L. Nutter

Hilda “Lou” L. Nutter, age 86, of Elysian, Minnesota, died peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Born Hilda Louise Koehler on July 29, 1939, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Rev. Kurt A.W. and Louise L. (Plapp) Koehler, Lou graduated from high school in Rock Island in 1958. She attended Valparaiso University and Bethany College in Mankato, where she earned an Associate in Arts degree, before completing Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Home Economics at Mankato State College.

She began her career teaching Home Economics in Pine Island, Minnesota, where she met fellow teacher Lowell J. Nutter. The couple married on May 30, 1964, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Marysburg. They lived first in Austin, Minnesota, while Lowell worked at the Hormel Institute, before settling in Elysian, where he co-founded Nu-Chek-Prep, Inc.

A lifelong artist, Lou worked in many mediums and operated a ceramics business from her home. She found joy in porcelain china painting, decorating eggs, stained glass, jewelry making, gemology, and Dresden-style lace drape doll making. In 2003, her talent for egg decorating gained national recognition when she was commissioned to create the State of Minnesota’s Easter Egg for the White House collection. Her “Superior Agate” design, featuring intricate beading, rhinestones, and a small perfume bottle inside, was displayed at the White House through Easter before being preserved for a Presidential Library. She and her family traveled to Washington to see it on display.

Lou and Lowell shared a love of travel, exploring many parts of the world to experience art, people, and cultures. They spent winters in Arizona, embracing the art and culture of the Southwest. Lou delighted in entertaining with meticulous attention to detail, turning each gathering into a special event. An active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elysian, she also cherished reading, learning, and researching genealogy. Her creativity, curiosity, and generous spirit touched many lives.

She is survived by her daughter, Christina Dumitrache of Mankato; her son, Brian (Pamela) Nutter of Elysian; five grandchildren, Trenton Dumitrache, Payton (Brendon) Trump, Ethan, Brady, and Jake Nutter; as well as nieces, nephews, and many cherished friends. Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lowell in 2018, and her brother Kurt (Lynn) Koehler.