Carroll Joan (Casey) Frates

Carroll “Joan” Frates, 88, passed away October 31, 2021 in Dalhart, Texas. Joan was
born June 4, 1933 in Oshkosh, Nebraska to Ross Wayne Casey and Esther Swanson
Casey. She grew up in Oshkosh and graduated as the class Valedictorian from Garden
County High School in 1951.

Growing up Joan loved animals and riding horses, especially her black stallion on
Friday nights with the Garden County Riding Club. An excellent horsewoman, on
horseback she accompanied the riders during the reenactment of the Pony Express.
In high school her favorite job was an usher at the Oshkosh Movie Theatre, where she
roasted peanuts, popped popcorn and watched the latest movie releases.
After high school Joan attended the University of Nebraska In Lincoln. In 1952, she
enrolled in the Electronic Radio-Television Institute in Omaha, Nebraska and received
her diploma in Airline Communications. Upon completion of her training, she moved to
Kansas City and was employed with TWA Airlines.

On June 20, 1954 Joan married Wayne Frates in Oshkosh. The young couple started
their lives together on a farm in Brule, Nebraska. She was a strong-willed partner to
Wayne, active in the farm and ranch work and decisions. They raised two sons, Tim
and Kelly. Together as a family, they worked their farm and ranch. After Wayne’s
premature passing, Joan was heroic, tenacious, indomitable, and resolute with the
management of the farm and ranch. Her unyielding strength and determination were
evident in everything she did.

Joan was a member of the UCC Congregational Church of Brule, and took her bible
studies seriously. She was an active member of many organizations including Card
Club, Garden Club, Extension Club, and the Nebraska Cattle Women’s Association.

Joan loved sports both as a participant and as a spectator. An avid bowler, she bowled
in leagues and proudly belonged to the 250 Club. Joan belonged to the Ogallala
Country Club and relished a good game of golf. She loved to attend all ball games and
sporting events. Joan was a loyal fan of the Brule Huskies and the Nebraska
Cornhuskers, Go Big Red.

Survivors include her son, Kelly Frates and wife Keli An, of Dalhart TX, Grandchildren
Kaci Frates of Nashville, TN and Kip Frates of Brule, NE.
Daughter-in-law Jackie Frates Raile and husband Butch of Hamilton, MT.
Grandsons: Aaron (Liz) McBride and family of Grand Rapids, MI and Shane (Hannah)
McBride of Portland OR.,
Sister-in-Law Virginia Frates of Paxton, and niece Beverly Frates McMahon and family
of Paxton NE
Nieces Linda Watson and family, Carol Bratt and family,
Nephews Stan Spencer and family, Randy Spencer and family

She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Frates, son Timothy Frates, sister
Arlene Bratt, and parents, Ross and Esther Casey.
The family requests memorials may be made to the UCC Congregational Church of
Brule or charity of your choice.

Visitation will be on Sunday November 7th from 1-3pm at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel,  with family greeting Joan's friends and family. 

Services are Monday, November 8th, 2021 at the United Church of Christ, Congregational Church in Brule, Nebraska, at 10:00am.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.