Nathan Charles Denning

Nathan Charles Denning, affectionately known as Nate to his friends, passed away unexpectedly on March 14, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after a brief yet valiant battle with Multifocal Glioblastoma (brain cancer). Born on May 15, 1985, in Portland, Oregon, Nate's quick wit and intellect brought joy, laughter and inspiration to all who knew him throughout his 39 years of life.
Nathan called Damascus, Oregon home for 15 years before moving to Mequon, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Homestead High School in 2003. Throughout his early and high school years, Nathan enjoyed participating in various sports, including baseball, basketball, and soccer. He also enjoyed rollerblading, ice hockey and snow boarding. His love for sports continued as an adult, where he especially enjoyed disc golf as well as fishing, hiking, backpacking, kayaking and paddle boarding. Nathan also shared a deep connection to nature, often seeking adventure outdoors, he was most at peace when surrounded by nature and the people he loved. Along with his partner Maria, Nathan loved attending concerts of many different genres. His favorite group Phish took him on many adventures to venues in the US and Mexico. Many a concertgoer was lucky enough to witness him dance with pure, unrestrained joy-much like the way he lived his life, always on his own terms. About this time Nathan also developed a fondness for cooking, creating meals that brought friends and family together around a table or campsite. His love extended to animals as well, becoming an animal advocate. His home was filled with three beloved dogs, two of which were rescued, along with his loved bully of a cat.
After moving to Michigan and buying 10 acres of land, he developed a remarkable green thumb and pursued his passion for growing, and constructed several greenhouses on his property. He later added livestock. He also co-founded the company Mid Michigan Hemp LLC. His work continued in Michigan until his partner Maria became a traveling nurse and he changed his course to travel with her. Becoming an independent insurance adjuster allowed him to travel with Maria to different spots in the USA. Throughout his travels, Nathan had a unique way of connecting with people from all walks of life, young and old.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Nate would describe him as kind, funny, and intelligent. Nathan was a person that cared deeply about his friends and family, and the love for him was shown in return.
He is survived by his partner of 15 years Maria Gervais; his loving parents, Christine and Clifford Denning; sister, Rachel Denning (David Maxwell and children Wilder, Sterling and Rainier), along with a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and many cherished friends.
Nathan will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Celebration of Life to be held in Luther, Michigan in May. For information contact Chris Kwilasz (262.573.3534).
Celebration of Life will also be held in Ohio. Friends and family will be notified.
In memory of Nathan Denning, please consider making a donation to one of the folowing charities:
American Brain Tumor Association (www.abta.org), Glioblastoma Foundation (www.glioblastomafoundation.org), Your local animal shelter