Nancy Elizabeth Frahm: A Life Remembered
Nancy Elizabeth Frahm, a beloved member of the Clear Lake community, passed away at the age of 85 on Friday, February 21, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, IA. Her life will be honored and celebrated during a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 112 North 4th Street in Clear Lake, IA. Lay Minister Al Berge will officiate the service, offering words of comfort and remembrance for Nancy.
The community is invited to pay their respects and offer condolences during the visitation hours, scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel at 310 First Avenue North in Clear Lake, IA. Additional visitation will take place one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Nancy will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City, IA, surrounded by the beauty of nature she cherished throughout her life.
Born on January 5, 1940, in Mason City, Iowa, Nancy Elizabeth Frahm, formerly Dougan, was the eldest daughter of Donald and Ella Dougan. Growing up on a farm in Ventura, Nancy developed a profound appreciation for the land, instilling in her a strong work ethic and a heart overflowing with kindness. Engaged in 4H activities, she spent her formative years tending to chores, caring for animals, and absorbing the values that would shape her character in the years to come. Following her graduation from Ventura High School, Nancy was prepared to embark on a path defined by love, faith, and family.
It was at a 4H event that Nancy crossed paths with Gary Frahm, who would become the love of her life. Their love story began with a simple hayride invitation, leading to a lifelong commitment that was sealed in marriage at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garner in 1957. Together, Nancy and Gary raised three children, cultivating a home filled with warmth, love, and unwavering dedication.
Not merely a farm wife, Nancy was the heart and soul of the Frahm household, supporting her husband in all endeavors and imparting her children with the same values of resilience and devotion that defined her character. Her kitchen was a haven of delicious aromas and homemade delights, where friends and family were welcomed with open arms and delectable treats. Hospitality came naturally to Nancy, as she found joy in bringing people together around the dining table, fostering a sense of community wherever she went.
In addition to her duties at home, Nancy was deeply involved in her community, sharing her servant’s heart through leadership roles in Bible studies, Sunday school teaching, and participation in various social groups such as garden clubs and the Red Hat Society. An avid Bridge player, she thrived in the camaraderie of her close-knit circle of friends, finding joy in every interaction and connection she made.
Nancy’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and interactions with unwavering love and compassion. She touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and laughter that will endure in the hearts of those who knew her. Her love for music, especially Daniel O’Donnell, and her passion for Iowa Women’s Basketball and birdwatching in Naples, Florida, added layers to her vibrant personality and adventurous spirit.
Survived by her husband of 67 years, Gary Frahm, Nancy leaves behind a loving family, including her children Debbie, John, and Lori, along with numerous relatives, friends, and acquaintances who will cherish her memory. Preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Ella Dougan, and her brother Richard, Nancy’s spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched and the legacies she leaves behind.
As the community gathers to bid farewell to Nancy Elizabeth Frahm, they do so with hearts full of gratitude for the love, joy, and wisdom she shared with everyone she encountered. In honoring her life, we honor the values of kindness, dedication, and compassion that she embodied. May her memory be a beacon of light and love for all who were fortunate enough to know her.
For more information and to offer condolences, please contact Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel at 310 First Avenue N. in Clear Lake, IA, or call 641-357-2193. You can also visit Colonialchapels.com to pay tribute to Nancy’s life and legacy.
