Nathan William Gratz

Nathan William Gratz obituary, Tucson, AZ

Nathan William Gratz

Nathan Gratz Obituary

Published by Legacy on Dec. 20, 2025.
Nathan William Gratz, 49, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 6th, 2025. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 2nd, 1976, and grew up in Hastings, Minnesota, where he made many lifelong friends. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2000 with a Bachelor's degree in statistics, and moved to Tucson, where he worked for Pima County in Pretrial Services.

Nathan was a brilliant, hilarious, and generous soul who touched lives wherever he went. Outside of work, he was a published writer, a bar trivia savant, and an avid lover of dogs, Minnesota sports teams, Pee-wee Herman, Neil Hamburger, and Saturday Night Live. While quiet and reserved, he was also always up for a hike, road trip, or night out at the bowling lanes.

He was like family to a large group of friends dating back to early childhood, where he was beloved for his enormous heart, dry sense of humor, reliability, and love of playing and watching sports. He founded a fantasy football league in 1991 that still continues today, and was famous for his spontaneous invitations to live games. He dearly adored dogs, and his longtime Pomeranian companion "Mr. T." was known and loved by countless people. A cherished brother and friend, Nathan will be deeply missed in his Arizona community and beyond.

Nathan is survived by his brother Evan Gratz, his nephew Beau, extended family, and many lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Janet. Memorial services are currently pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his name to Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85745.

Place the Full Obituary in Any Newspaper

This is just an online death notice. You can publish a complete obituary in over 2,700 newspapers.

Online memorial

Inform your community

Receive memories and condolences

Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Nathan's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Nathan Gratz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Nathan Gratz's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?