CLEAR LAKE - Frances Jean Ommen, 82, of Clear Lake, IA, passed away surrounded by her family at Shorewood Assisted Living in Rochester, MN. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 11495 265th St, Mason City, IA with Chris Turney officiating.

Fran's family requests that all those attending the graveside wear purple or bright colors.

Memorials may be directed to Wing for Water https:////legacy.w4wkc.org//donate in place of flowers. Fran, the daughter of Gerald and Barbara (Hott) Bahling, was born on January 19, 1942 in Algona, IA. Fran grew up on a farm near Titonka, IA. After high school she went on to achieve her nursing degree from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, then continued her education at Iowa State University and earned her Masters Degree, all while being a single mother to her beloved children Ed and Aimee.

On April 15, 1989 Fran was united in marriage to her second husband Gary Ommen at Doan United Methodist Church. They would go on to move to Mason City, IA then later moved to Clear Lake, IA together and stay there until the passing of Gary in 2018. However, every winter Fran and Gary would make the trip to south Texas where they would stay until the snow had melted away.

With her masters degree Fran worked as a nursing instructor at NIACC, specializing in psychiatric nursing until her retirement in 1999. Fran was also an amazing teacher for quilting. She was an accomplished quilter and had even won awards for her art in quilting. She possessed a resilient and spirited nature.

Fran was known to be a caring and loving mother, she was always there for her children whenever they needed her. Her affection knew no bounds, particularly when it came to her grandchildren, who held the most sacred place in her heart.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children Ed (Macaila) Eick and Aimee (Chris Turney); step-children Scott (Kristina) Ommen and Lisa (Brian) Ross; grandchildren Morgan Eick, Garrett Eick, Cole Turney, Braelyn Turney; step-grandchildren Chandler Ross, Karson Ross, Tyler Ommen and Jacob Ommen; sister Mary (Royce) Gray; brothers Gary (Laurie) Bahling and Jim (Shirley) Bahling and brother-in-law David Jacobsen.

Fran is preceded in death by her husband Gary Ommen; parents Gerald and Barbara Bahling and sisters Janet (Kent) Brown and Kris Jacobsen.

The family of Fran would like to especially thank Shorewood Community and St. Croix Hospice. Your care and support were noticed and appreciated.

Memorial Park Cemetery, 11495 265th St, Mason City, IA 50401, 641-424-2151. ColonialChapels.com

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Published by Globe Gazette from May 11 to May 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances Ommen

Sponsored by Memorial Park Cemetery, Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

5 Entries

Emad Hussein

December 1, 2024

I would like to express my sincere sympathy for the passing of Fran. Fran was the kindest and sweetest colleague at Iowa State University circa 1983, when she attended summer courses in teaching. We shared life stories, I briefly visited her in Britt and met her lovely children Ed and Aimee, also her parents. It was indeed a memorable half day trip. I will always cherish the chats we had.
I will search for photo of the event and post them here.

Donna Orton

May 14, 2024

Fran was instrumental in establishing the mental health aspect of nursing in an on-campus format at NIACC. Prior to her willingness to create psychiatric nursing curriculum for classroom and local clinical instruction, students lived at off campus sites for their mental health experience! Her passion for mental health nursing and nursing education was truly a benefit to the ADN program and the NIACC students. A mentor and friend to us as colleagues, Fran was a truly innovative, creative, talented instructor. May you rest in peace, Fran, and thank you for your service as a nurse and educator to others.

Donna Orton

Nancy Frederick

May 12, 2024

Fran was my mentor, my colleague and my friend as we both worked in the NIACC ADN program together for many years. She contributed so much to the profession of nursing, especially psychiatric nursing. Thank you for your contributions, Fran. May you rest in peace & serenity.

Sue Smeenk

May 12, 2024

Fran taught me at NIACC. A wonderful teacher and confidence builder. I ended up doing psychiatric nursing for 17 years. So sorry for your loss.

Vicki McMurray

May 11, 2024

Sorry for your loss. She was one of my nursing instructors and was an excellent instructor.

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