Nolan L. Quam

Nolan Leon Quam, 85, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on May 30, 1940, in Webster City, Iowa, to Truman and Minnie (Olson) Quam.

Visitation and luncheon will take place from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa, followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Des Moines.

Nolan grew up on a farm near Stanhope and graduated from Story City High School in 1957. He went on to attend Drake University, graduating in 1962. While at Drake, he was a standout student-athlete, playing football and serving as co-captain during his junior and senior years. He was later honored with the Double D Award for Scholastic and Professional Achievement, recognizing his accomplishments on and off the field.

Nolan’s professional career was rooted in broadcasting. He began at KCCI-TV in Des Moines, where he served as sales manager and station manager from 1966 to 1980 before becoming general manager from 1980 to 1986. His leadership continued as president and general manager of WESH-TV in Daytona Beach and Orlando from 1986 to 1991, and later at KPRC-TV in Houston from 1991 to 1994. Nolan contributed as president of the CBS Affiliate National Board in Iowa and served as a state and national legislative liaison and president of the Iowa Broadcasters Association. He was also active with the Florida Association of Broadcasters and the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. After leaving broadcasting, Nolan returned to Iowa, where he farmed until his retirement in 2013.

Nolan never met a sport he didn’t like, including golf, softball, racquetball, football and played several in high school, college and beyond. Nolan will be remembered as a loving husband, stepfather, grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Linda L. Kirkman; stepson, Rick (Gracy) Kirkman; step-granddaughters, Gabriella (Jace) Leanhart of Des Moines and Samantha Kirkman of Liberty, MO; step- great-granddaughter, Zola Rae Kirkman-Crockett; niece, Debra (Joe) Martino of Virginia Beach, VA; grand-nephews, Jack Martino, Jason Quam, and Ryan Quam; grand-niece, Grace Martino; and sisters-in-law, Jonene Gardner of Watertown, SD, and Nancy Stephenson of Osceola.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Truman and Minnie Quam; his brother, Gordon Quam; sister-in-law, Laura Quam; and nephew, Dennis Quam.

Nolan’s family and friends will remember him for his warmth, leadership, and strong work ethic.

Condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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