Brian Frye

Brian Michael Frye, 38, Dows

Brian, son of Ray Frye & Julie Junkman, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Brian was born on Dec. 17, 1987, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Webster City High School and holds a degree in business administration from the University of Houston. His career in Texas spanned various roles in the oil and gas industry, beginning with warehouse operations and oil field pipe sales. He went on to establish his own pipe brokerage firm before becoming a crude oil broker at a leading Houston commodity trading desk. He later transitioned to a polypropylene manufacturing company, where he developed PLA plastic resins. Brian was very concerned about the long-term pollution from PLA plastics. Brian remained focused on addressing the potential risks associated with PLA resin pollution and advocated for more sustainable solutions within the industry. Mikael Lage and Brian owned the Smoke Shack restaurant & bar in Belmond.

Brian was known for his unwavering commitment to his community and his innovative spirit, His friends and colleagues remember him for his generosity, his sharp sense of humor, and his ability to bring people together for a common cause. Throughout his life, Brian inspired many through his dedication to service and. his vision for a brighter future in rural Iowa.

In 2023, Brian returned to Iowa to complete and publish his book on energy investing, Explaining the Streams and What it All Means, and to help his dad with farming. Driven by a passion for agriculture, energy, business, and politics, I have built a career at the intersection of innovation, advocacy, and leadership—working to create real, lasting impact in rural America.

A 6th-generation Iowa farmer managed a farming operation with his father between Dows and Williams. From a young age, he engaged in farming, often accompanying his father on visits to farms across the state. Brian joined the local Farm Bureau board to make a meaningful impact on his community, state, and country. He believes that working with a strong and organized entity like the Farm Bureau is the most effective way to drive change. His key areas of focus include energy, carbon capture and hydrogen pipelines, taxation and rural vitality, soil & water conservation issues, and sustainable farming practices. Brian, a political strategist, played an active role in the Republican Party of Wright County and, thanks to his dedicated and effective work in shaping the 2024 election platform, was elected Chairman of the 4th District Republicans.

In his free time, Brian enjoys golfing, hunting, and cheering for the Cyclones, the Boston Red Sox, and the Houston Texans. He also serves on the board of the Dows Golf Club.

He is survived by his parents, daughter Peyton Caquelin, his fiancé Mikael Lage and her children, Ivan, Clark & Julia. His father, Ray (Danuta) Frye, sister Kristen (Lynn Albee) Frye, niece Ashley Newton, nephew Jordon Newton and aunts Debra (Bob) Bookman, TX, Renee (Tom) McGuinness, TX, Jeff (Sherri) Frye, Fort Dodge, Richard (Susan) Frye, Altoona, Douglas (Anita) Frye of Dows, and cousins, Merrick Bookman, TX, Robert (Amber) Bookman, TX, Ryan (Eliane) Ransom, TX, Raia Ransom, AZ, Heather (Brian) Lepa, Cedar Falls, Kelly (Mike) Lamb, Altoona, Colin (Jessa) Frye, Eric (Kourtnie) Frye, Altoona, Mariah (Reid) Johnson, Altoona, Zachary (Angel) Frye, Cedar Falls.

He was preceded in death by his Grandparents Donnelle & Elaine Frye, Robert Bookman & Gregory T. Ransom.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Dows Methodist Church on January 24, 2026, at 11 am, with a luncheon to follow at the Dows Center.