Donn Frahm to retire from Farmers Union Insurance

Farmers Union Insurance agent Donn Frahm has announced his retirement, effective Sept. 30.

A Wimbledon, N.D. native, Frahm began working for Farmers Union Insurance as soon as he graduated college in 1979. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and business education with a minor in economics from Valley City State University.

Frahm's 38-year stint here in New Rockford began in 1982, when he purchased the business and the office from agent Dale Garrett. The office was a 12-by-60 foot trailer house west of Foster's on First Avenue South. He operated his agency out of that trailer house for more than a decade until he purchased the current office in 1993. He has served customers from 613 First Avenue South for 27 years.

"To survive 40 years and work for one company my entire career is something I am proud of," Frahm said Wednesday.

Insurance work has its quirks. Frahm said he worries right alongside his customers and works quickly to respond after every hailstorm, drought and flood. Claims are entered, hail insurance coverage bound and annual evaluations conducted to ensure proper risk aversion and loss coverage. This often involves working nights and weekends to make sure his clients get the service they need.

That said, the positive aspects far outweigh the negative ones, and for Frahm his career has given him a great deal. "I've gotten a free education from my customers," he noted, adding that he has appreciated the opportunity to work with many different people and has learned much from them.

"I appreciate the privilege of working with the people of this area and knowing everyone on a personal level," he said. "Now it's time to pass the torch and move on." In doing so he puts the future of New Rockford's Farmers Union Insurance agency in the hands of Lucas Schumacher. Schumacher became a partner in the business this past February, and he is ready to take the reins of the well-established operation.

Frahm and his wife Kristi plan to move to Alexandria, Minn., where they have a home. He said although it was a "very difficult decision to leave New Rockford," they felt a need to get closer to family. Their children, grandchildren and siblings will all be closer to them, for which they are grateful.

"I'm looking forward to taking a year off to re-evaluate what I want to do for the rest of my life," he said when asked what he aspired for his retirement.

Wife Kristi has played an important role in the business over the years, assisting with paperwork and filing as well as other office duties as needed. Schumacher's wife Becki is also helping as needed in the office, as longtime secretary Patty Dennis retired this spring.