Darlene A. Frahm, 86

In loving memory of Darlene A. Frahm 1937-2023. 

The family of Darlene Frahm, 86, announce her passing on Nov. 16, 2023 in Columbia Falls, Montana.

She was born on Aug. 5, 1937, in Evanston, Illinois. She was the older of two daughters born to Charles and Marian Mote. Her sister Sheryll was a precious sister and loving friend. 

Darlene credited her public-school education in Evanston, a multi-ethnic community, for shaping her belief that, “we are all God’s children.” In high school she enjoyed student government, music and drama. She felt honored to be “chosen” by her peers all four years for homecoming court and she earned a scholarship that allowed her to pay for her college education. 

She attended Iowa State University graduating in 1959 with a BS Degree, majoring in English and minoring in Philosophy and Religion. She was president of Kappa Alpha Theta, and active in music, drama, and dance. She received many awards but was most proud of being “tapped” for a National Honor Society that recognized her contributions to her community.

In her sophomore year at ISU Darlene met Lyle Frahm, the captain of the ISU basketball team, and they married in the summer of 1959. In the early years of their marriage, Darlene taught elementary school. When the daughters Jenny, Katie and Beth were born Darlene embraced her most valued role, that of wife and stay home mom. 

Over the years Darlene and Lyle called Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, and Montana home. They formed enduring friendships within their many beloved church communities and always sang in the choir, in the early years with a daughter in their arms. When they moved to Columbia Falls in 2003, they attended Epworth United Methodist and later Our Saviors Lutheran Church. 

Darlene, a voracious reader with an ever-growing library, always traveled with, “a book tucked under her arm.” She loved sewing, crafting, decorating her homes and gifts. She was a member of too many organizations to list. Noteworthy and cherished was her 54- year membership with PEO. 

Lyle and Darlene took great pride in their loving marriage which lasted over 64 years. Together they had three daughters who in turn gave them five wonderful grandchildren. Darlene, “Nana” or “Nan” celebrated her grandchildren’s lives and was proud of them all. She was excited to welcome her first great-granddaughter at Christmas and to participate in her grandson’s summer wedding. Her family knows she is with us and that she will be present in all their future blessings.  

“I have had a wonderful life filled with more blessings than I can count and certainly more than I deserved: a wonderful family comprised of three precious daughters, Jenny, Kate and Beth: their faithful and supportive husbands, John, Scott and Dave; five grandchildren, Sean, Natalie, Ben, Josie and Justin, who made me happier and prouder than words could ever express. And, finally, I am eternally grateful for Lyle, “a husband unlike any other” I thank him for his decency, his generosity, his good nature and his “undying love for me.” Most of all, I thank Lyle for never changing from the down-to-earth “boy” I met more than 70 years ago, the only boy to ever kiss me good night on a first date.” Darlene Frahm.

Loved ones left behind, Lyle Frahm, Sheryl Molinari, John and Jenny Byrne, Katie Frahm and Scott Wallberg, Dave and Beth Windauer; grandchildren, Sean and Natalie Byrne, Ben, Josie and Justin Windauer. 

A memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 27, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls. 

To send online condolences please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.