History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

The Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home, owned by Nathan Jensen, has locations in Alta, Newell, Storm Lake, and Schaller, Iowa. Full funeral and mortuary services including cremation and headstones are available to all families in this area of northwest Iowa. Customized folders, video tributes and cap panels can be created by our staff with each family's treasured photos and stories, in order to provide a beautiful last memory of their loved one.

Our web site is a valuable source of information for our families. Condolences may be sent online to families with just a few selections by your computer mouse. Our services do not end with the funeral however. We also provide after care to each family, making available a number of resources to help them negotiate the difficult stages of grief, including a library covering a wide variety of topics dealing with death and dying.

Our Valued Staff

  • Nathan A.  Jensen

    Nathan A. Jensen Owner and Funeral Director

    Nathan Jensen, a Galva native, graduated from Waldorf College in Forest City prior to attending Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. He is a graduate of John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville. He is the proud parent of a daughter, Elli, and a son, Braxton.Nathan is a member of the Storm Lake Hy-Noon Kiwanis, Storm Lake United, Ducks Unlimited and B.V. County Pheasants Forever. He had also served on the Parade of Flags Board and has assisted with other organizations in the area: Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Storm Lake Basketball Jamboree and Lake Preservation. In 2007, Nathan was co-chair of the Buena Vista University Capital Campaign. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake where he has served as the Congregational President.

  • Timothy J.  Smith

    Timothy J. Smith Funeral Director

    Timothy J. Smith, a Webb native, graduated from Iowa State University in Ames with a degree in Agricultural Business. He worked in the agri-banking industry prior to his enrollment in mortuary school. Tim graduated from Kansas City, Kansas Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science. He and his wife, Erin, have four children: Bennett, Avery, Eden, and Emerson.Tim is an active member of the community serving on different boards and organizations: Storm Lake Hy-Noon Kiwanis, was a past Commodore for Star Spangled Spectacular and is currently on the Buena Vista Regional Healthcare Foundation. He attends Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta. Tim enjoys coaching various sports for his children.

  • Jennifer A. Hustedt

    Jennifer A. Hustedt Funeral Director

    Jennifer A. Hustedt, a Newell native, graduated from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake with a degree in Exercise Science. While attending BVU, she completed an internship with Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home which lead to her enrollment in mortuary school. Jennifer graduated from Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny with a degree in Mortuary Science. Jennifer and her husband, Chad, live in Alta. They are the proud parents of three children: Paisley, Presley and Grady. Jennifer is an active member of the community serving as a Board of Director for the Storm Lake Parade of Flags Foundation and a 2018-2019 Co-Chair for the Buena Vista University Community Campaign. She also enjoys volunteering for other events in the area. Jennifer attends Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta. In her spare time, she enjoys coaching and attending her children's activities. Jennifer and Chad are co-owners of Cobblestone Ballroom and Event Center in Lakeside.

  • Steven P. Dolezal

    Steven P. Dolezal Funeral Director

  • Isabel Sanchez

    Isabel Sanchez Bilingual Preneed Specialist

    Isabel Sanchez, was born in Minnesota and raised in Storm Lake since the age of two years old, she has journeyed through life with her husband and four wonderful children. After years of various customer service roles, she chose to prioritize her family for a while as a stay at home mom. However, in 2022, a new chapter began as she embarked on a career at Sioux City cemetery. Working closely with families during pre-need arrangements and guiding them through the emotional process of burial and life’s hard moment’s ignited a passion within her. As a licensed bilingual preneed specialist, she finds immense value in assisting families during their difficult times, offering support and empathy every step of the way. Now as part of Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in her hometown, Storm Lake and surrounding areas she continues to serve our community with compassion, professionalism, while assisting families pre plan and prepay for their funeral arrangements. Isabel Sánchez, nacida en Minnesota y criada en Storm Lake desde los dos años, ha recorrido la vida con su esposo y cuatro maravillosos hijos. Después de años de varios roles de servicio al cliente, decidió priorizar a su familia por un tiempo. Sin embargo, en 2022, comenzó un nuevo capítulo cuando se embarcó en una carrera en un cementerio local de Sioux City. Trabajo junto a las familias durante los arreglos de la póliza de funeral al igual y guiarlas a través del proceso emocional del entierro y los momentos difíciles de la vida encendió una pasión dentro de ella. Como especialista en pólizas de funeral, ella encuentra un inmenso valor en ayudar a las familias durante sus momentos difíciles, ofreciendo apoyo y empatía en cada paso del camino. Ahora, como parte de Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home en su ciudad natal, Storm Lake y sus alrededores, ella continúa sirviendo a nuestra comunidad con compasión y profesionalismo, mientras ayuda a las familias a planificar y pagar por adelantado sus arreglos funerarios.