Frank W. Nicely

Frank W. Nicely, 77, Fairfield resident, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024, at his home.

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 19, 2024, at Behner

Funeral Home in Fairfield with the family present from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation or Wounded Warriors.

Frank was born July 14, 1947, in Olathe, Kansas, the son of Frank, Sr. and Frances (Wilhite) Nicely. He married Linda Sue Hahn, December 27, 1967, in Ottawa, Kansas. Frank served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1972.

Frank worked as a master welder for John Deere in Ottumwa for over 30years. He was affectionately known by his co-workers as “Fat” Frank. Frank had a passion for fishing, hunting, bird watching, and his dogs. He was an aspiring woodworker (although not very good, but very knowledgeable).

Hy-Vee, TSC and Orschelns were his go-to hangouts. In his later years, lawn care was his true hobby. Frank could be seen driving his lawn mower at any given time on their property, preferring it to a wheelchair. Once Frank could no longer drive, he would sit for hours in his favorite truck listening to Cardinals baseball games. He read a multitude of magazines and books daily.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Sue; children, Christopher (Cari) Nicely of Libertyville and Jennifer (Veronica) Nicely of Birmingham; grandchildren, Kristina (Nate) Love, Kenneth Nicely, Zachary Nicely, Chance Nicely, Matthew Burnstedt, Mitchell Burnstedt, and Kristin Burnstedt; and great-granddaughter, Aria Love.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Harold, Sr. and Shirley Hahn; and brothers-in-law, Harold, Jr. and John Hahn.