Dean Nicholson

Dean Nicholson, age 86, of Storm Lake, Iowa died August 24, 2021 at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake. A Celebration of Life Service will be Friday, August 27, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. Visitation will be Friday, August 27, 2021 from 11-1:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Storm Lake School Foundation at 419 Lake Ave Storm Lake, Iowa. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of arrangements. Dean was born October 3, 1934 in Des Moines, Iowa the son of Clifford and Ella (Dreeszen) Nicholson. As an infant, he was baptized at the Methodist Church in Lake City, Iowa. Growing up, Dean attended school in Lake City where he graduated in 1952. Following high school graduation, Dean attended Buena Vista College and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later received a Master’s Degree from The University of South Dakota in 1970. Dean taught 8th grade science for 39 years and coached numerous sports including track for 45 years, all in the Storm Lake School District. On June 4, 1961, Dean was married to Donadee Strombeck in Mt. Vernon, South Dakota. Together, they were blessed with two children, Barb and Todd. They enjoyed 54 years of wedded bliss. Dean loved Jesus and was a very active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church where he ushered in the old-fashioned way (and still the best way!) and served on many boards. His coaching career in track yielded numerous individual State Champions as well as 3 team Championships. He was voted State Coach of the Year in 1987, 1988 and 2002. He was inducted into the Iowa Track Coach Hall of Fame in 2002. His success was recognized by having the Storm Lake track named after him. In his spare time and in retirement, Dean loved to travel with Donadee and they enjoyed many cruises and other vacations. He also cherished his family and helped create numerous very fond memories by organizing family trips with the kids and grandkids. Dean also enjoyed woodworking, walking, playing games and watching his beloved Tornadoes, Hawkeyes and Vikings. He was very active with Via de Cristo for many years and he also started an FCA chapter at the school. He attended concerts, games and events of all of his grandchildren as he could. He was affectionately known to them as PopPop. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He also mentored countless students, athletes and fellow coaches. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Barb (Brian) Muench of Emporia, Kansas; Todd (Rachel) Nicholson of Storm Lake; grandchildren: Jordan, Jon, Jaron and Jonah Muench; Mikayla, Marlee and Lucas Nicholson; sister, Darlene Nicholson of Lake City; nieces; nephews; extended family and many friends. Dean was preceded in death by his wife Donadee, his parents Clifford and Ella Nicholson, a brother Don and a sister Delores.

Dean Nicholson

October 3, 1934 - August 24, 2021