Nathaniel Carl Mroz

On August 8, 2020, Nathaniel Carl Mroz went home to be with Jesus.  Although we are struggling with the fact that he is no longer here with us physically, we rejoice that he is with his Creator.

Since he was born, Nate could never get enough of life. He loved every moment, and he loved every encounter with the people he met.  Nate did not know a stranger. He understood his role as a son, brother, friend, and teammate to be a blessing.  He had a keen awareness of the need to protect the vulnerable.  Without hesitation, he was a guardian who provided support to his mother and his siblings. His family, friends, and coaches describe him as the most considerate and caring person; Nate always put others before himself.  His happiness stemmed from his ability to make people smile and laugh.  

In third grade, Nate’s love for football blossomed.  He naturally excelled not only as an athlete but also as leader.  These qualities contributed to his teammates’ decision to appoint him as their senior captain of the Hamilton Southeastern football team. Nate attended Indiana University where he studied biotechnology. His lifelong dream was to join the Navy after graduation and to become a Navy Seal, another example of his selflessness.

Nate’s most treasured times were with his family and his friends.  He would spend hours in deep conversations with his mother simply cherishing her presence and learning about navigating life from her.  He made many memories with his friends: giant bonfires at the house, spontaneous vacations, and spending time enjoying outdoor adventures.  Nate had the innate ability to bring his family and his friends together; he treasured being in community with others.  Nate loved Jesus, his family, his friends, his pets, the outdoors, and his life to the fullest. He made his mark on this world, and we are all better for knowing him. 

Nate is survived by a very loving family. His mother Elizabeth Merida and step father Greg Howard; his siblings Connor, Seth, and Rachel Mroz; his sister-in-law Moriah Bennett; his grandparents Vickie and Carl Merida; his great-grandmother Ruth Easton; his step-siblings Lilly, Lauren, Dillion and Alex Howard; his aunts and uncles Melody, Andy, Ben, and Hannah Merida; his father Michael Mroz; his half-brother Gabriel Perlman; his grandmother Sue Mroz. And last, Nates best friends and brothers Will Hedrick, Jake Gillay, Brant Boram, Griffin Fernandes, Nathan Shuey and Brenden Klenke.

In lieu of flowers, Nate’s family has asked that donations be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

For those unable to attend, you may view his service at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwohaip-EnY