SSG William Nathaniel Howard

SSG William (Nate) Howard, 29, of Marshalltown and the Iowa Army National Guard’s 1-113th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, was killed in action in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, 2025.

Nate is survived by his beloved wife, Arianna Howard; his father, Brian and wife, Andrea; his mother, Misty Bunn and husband, Jeff; his brother, SSgt James Roelsgard; stepbrothers, Josh Bunn and wife, Modestie, and Travis Bunn; as well as his grandparents: William Eugene and Pat Neville, Vicki Brindle, and Martin and Ruth Roelsgard.

In addition to his dedicated service to the Iowa Army National Guard and the United States of America over the past 12 years, he was a laser engraving specialist at Emerson and a member of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 893 Unit 1.

Inspired by his grandfather’s service, Nate knew from a very early age that he wanted to be a soldier. He soaked up any information he could about military history, firearms, and aircraft that he could get. He began living his dream of serving at the age of 17 as a senior at Marshalltown High School. He completed basic training and AIT at Fort Benning in Georgia after graduation in 2014. From that time on, he dedicated himself to becoming the best that he could be. Those that served with him knew him to strive for excellence and knew he had the ability to bring out the best in them as well.

His wife, family, friends, and brothers in arms knew him as funny and smart. He liked playing video games, woodworking, shooting firearms, and hanging out at home. He knew how to enjoy life, get a laugh out of those around him, and speak in fluent movie quotes and sarcasm. To know Nate was to know the best of us.

Services for Nate will take place on Saturday, December 27 at 10:30 A.M. at the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. prior to services beginning. A memorial fund has been established at Pinnacle Bank in Marshalltown, and people are welcome to stop in to make donations directly to the family.

His return home will take place on Wednesday, December 24 beginning at 1:00 P.M. Please refer to the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Facebook page for full route details. Please keep this family, our community and this nation in your thoughts and prayers.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Nate and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

~ Lovingly written by family