Nathan grew up in Davenport, Iowa, where he developed a love for reading and politics early in life. He often attended political events like the Iowa Caucus with his mother. He enjoyed the outdoors and cherished time with his family. Though intellectually curious, he found traditional school unfulfilling and left Davenport Central High School to earn his GED. His interest in travel and global affairs led him to join the military. He was known for his leadership, compassion, and devotion to mentoring younger soldiers.

He first enlisted in the U.S. Army in the mid-1990s and served three years in Bosnia, where he also explored Europe. After returning to civilian life and working several jobs, he felt unfulfilled and reenlisted in 2005, determined to make the Army his career. He deployed to Iraq with his unit from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, then transferred to Fort Hood, Texas. In 2008, he deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan, with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. On September 20, 2008, he was killed in the Korengal Valley when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Annie; his daughter, Sophia Grace; and the family, friends, and fellow soldiers who knew and loved him.