Nancy Elizabeth Frahm

Nancy Elizabeth Frahm (Dougan), 85, of Clear Lake passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 North 4th Street, Clear Lake, with Lay Minister Al Berge officiating.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North, Clear Lake, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church in Nancy’s memory.

Nancy Dougan was born January 5, 1940, in Mason City. She was the oldest daughter of Donald and Ella (Heimbuch) Dougan. She grew up on a farm in Ventura, where she developed a deep love for the land, a strong work ethic and a heart full of kindness. Active in 4H, she spent her youth helping with chores, caring for animals, and learning the values that would guide her throughout life. She graduated from Ventura High School, ready to build a future rooted in love, faith and family.

Nancy met Gary Frahm at a 4H event. When he offered her a seat on a hayride, she happily accepted—and from that moment on, their story was written in love. The two were married in 1957, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garner. They built a beautiful life together, raising three wonderful children.

She poured her heart into everything she did, especially her home and family. She was not just a farm wife—she was the backbone of the operation. Whether bringing meals to the field or making sure everyone was cared for, she worked tirelessly alongside her husband, instilling in her children the same resilience and devotion she carried in her heart.

Her kitchen was always filled with the warm scents of home-cooked meals and fresh-baked treats, and she loved nothing more than gathering loved ones around the table. Hospitality was second nature to her, and she welcomed everyone with open arms and a plate full of something delicious.

Nancy had a servant’s heart and was deeply involved in her community. She led Bible studies, taught Sunday school and found a close-knit circle of friends in her Bible study group, garden clubs and the Red Hat Society. She adored playing Bridge. Together, Nancy and Gary were snowbirds to Arizona and Florida. In Naples, she enjoyed bird watching on her lanai.

In recent years, cheering on all Iowa Women’s Basketball. One of her greatest joys was her love for Daniel O’Donnell. His music filled her home, she even traveled to Ireland four times to see him perform.

Nancy was a woman of faith, family and unwavering love. She touched the lives of so many, offering warmth, wisdom, and laughter wherever she went. Her legacy will live on in the meals she shared and the countless hearts she held close.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 67 years, Gary Frahm; her children, Debbie (Dr. Alan) Reichow, John Frahm, Lori Frahm (Matt Chester); along with many siblings, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Ella (Heimbuch) Dougan and her brother, Richard Dougan.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.