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
The Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home, owned by Nathan and Nancy 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, 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. His wife, Nancy, assists in the funeral home operation. The Jensens are proud parents 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 currently serves as the Congregational President.
Nancy Jensen, Owner/Funeral Staff
Nancy Jensen attended Northwestern College in Orange City prior to transferring to Western Iowa Tech Community College where she graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. After obtaining her degree, Nancy worked at Sports Rehab and Professional Therapy Associates in Storm Lake for seven years. Nancy married Nathan in August 2001. They were blessed with a daughter, Elli, and a son, Braxton. In 2003, Nancy began working full time for the funeral homes, where she handles the bookkeeping duties and assists with funeral services as needed.
Nancy has been involved with the Buena Vista Relay for Life and has served as a past president for Faith Hope & Charity Board of Directors. She is a member of Storm Lake United Methodist Church.
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, Funeral Director
Jennifer A. Hustedt, a Newell native, graduated from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake with a degree in Excersie 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 is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alta.