Donadee Nicholson

Donadee Nicholson, age 79, of Storm Lake, Iowa died December 31, 2015 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, January 4, 2016 from 4-8:00 p.m. with the family present the entire time at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donadee's honor. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Donadee Strombeck was born August 21, 1936 in Mt. Vernon, South Dakota, the daughter of Paul and Adeline (Frerichs) Strombeck. As an infant, she was baptized at Salem Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon where she was later confirmed in 1951. Growing up, Donadee attended school in Mt. Vernon where she graduated with the class of 1954. Following high school graduation, Donadee attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and graduated in 1958 with a degree in English/Secondary Education. She taught English in the Schaller and Storm Lake school districts. She also taught piano lessons to numerous students throughout the years. On June 4, 1961, Donadee was united in marriage to Dean Nicholson in Mt. Vernon. Together, they were blessed with two children, Barb and Todd. Donadee was a very active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake where she was an organist, pianist and a Stephen Ministry Leader, in addition to serving in many other capacities. In the Storm Lake community, she served as Meals on Wheels coordinator, Relay for Life Chair and was a member of many other organizations. In her spare time, Donadee enjoyed a variety of activities, including playing Bridge, reading, visiting with friends, handling snakes and riding Segways. In retirement, she went on numerous trips and cruises with her husband, Dean. One of the most cherished activities that Donadee looked forward to was an annual family vacation. Donadee was a gifted piano player and teacher. She enjoyed walking, baking, playing games with her grandchildren and cheering on her beloved Hawkeyes and Tornadoes. She attended concerts, games and events of all of her grandchildren as she could. She was affectionately known to them as Mimi. She will be lovingly remembered as a caring, compassionate, and giving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Donadee will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 54 years, Dean Nicholson of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Barb (Brian) Muench of Emporia, Kansas; Todd (Rachel) Nicholson of Storm Lake, Iowa; grandchildren: Jordan, Jon, Jaron and Jonah Muench; Mikayla, Marlee and Lucas Nicholson; brother, Ben (Irm) Strombeck of Tripp, South Dakota; Jim (Jan) Strombeck of Ham Lake, Minnesota; nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family and many friends. Donadee was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Adeline Strombeck.

Donadee Nicholson

August 21, 1936 - December 31, 2015