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Nathan Geraths Obituary
Nathan Lawrence Geraths
March 31, 1943 - July 18, 2022
On Monday, July 18, 2022, Nathan Lawrence Geraths, loving husband and father of four, passed away at the age of 79, of natural causes.
Nathan was born on March 31, 1943, in Hermosa Beach, CA to Raymond and Gladys (Marzt) Geraths. At age six, his family moved to Staten, OR where he lived until leaving for college at Seattle University. Nathan went on to join the Army serving in the Medical Service Corps, earned an MSW at Loyola University, and an MBA at Northwestern University. Nathan had a distinguished 44-year career within the VA healthcare system where he made an impact in multiple positions. Starting as a social worker, he began his career at the Hines VA in Illinois, went on to become Director of the Madison VA in Wisconsin for 23 years, and later retired where his career began at Hines VA as the Director. Nathan also served his country for 30 years retiring from the military as a full Colonel.
Nathan's love of service was rivaled only by a love of travel and family. Nathan married Mary Alice on September 6, 1969 and enjoyed 53 years of marriage. He would often joke, "I owe half my success in life to my wife. She is a master entertainer and a great travel companion!" His passions and career took him all over the world, yet if you asked him how he went from growing up in rural Oregon to the life he lived, Nathan would often reply, "Some truly special people believing in me and serendipity! Not bad for a farm boy, eh?"
Nathan is survived by his wife, Mary Alice; his four children: William (Gia), Thomas (Melissa), Matthew (Jennifer), and Gerard (Joey); his four brothers: Norman (Dianne), Nelson (Nancy), Nolan, and Don (Gayle); eight grandchildren: Nicholas, Crichton, Oliver, Mikhail, Samuel, Finnagen, Molly Mary, Reylee; and three great-grandchildren: Nicholas-Griffin, Ember, and Kazimierz.
Nathan was preceded in death by his father, Raymond, and his mother, Gladys.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 at the St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following organizations: Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Inc. https://www.helpaveteran.org or Center for Veterans Issues, Ltd. https://www.cvivet.org
All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services
Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nathan Geraths
Sponsored by All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison.
4 Entries
Kay and Steve Babcock
August 6, 2022
Dear Mary Alice and family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Steve & Nate were friends & colleagues in both the Army & the VA and shared many experiences. And Mary Alice, I remember our almost trip to Landstuhl, Germany to visit them at the end of their mobilization for Desert Storm.
Gary Miller
August 4, 2022
Mary Alice and family members,
Nat was a good, thoughtful, caring and appreciative man. A fine example for all of us. My deepest condolences to all of you, especially Mary Alice and Gerrard.
Timothy Jackman
August 4, 2022
My condolences to Mary Alice and the rest of the family. I met Nat while in the Army over 40 years ago. When I retired from the Army and returned to Madison Nat was the Director of the Madison VA Hospital. He recruited me to volunteer at the hospital. We were friends for a long time and I will remember the fun times we shared. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Margaret Asturias
July 31, 2022
My sympathy to the family. I have a picture of him giving me my retirement certificate in 1994 from the Madison, WI VA.
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