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Nathaniel John Baar, age 45, of River Falls passed away in his home surrounded by tremendous love on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Nathan gracefully faced a hard battle with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) for 27 months. He fought the good fight and has earned his rest when he was welcomed into Heaven by God’s loving, open arms.
Nathan was born to Randy & Gail (Marsh) Baar on February 8, 1979 in Hudson, WI. Due to his father’s enlistment in the Air Force, he was raised & attended schools in Texas and Colorado before moving to River Falls during his middle school years. He graduated from River Falls High School in 1998 where he was a skilled football and track athlete, a loyal friend. During his sophomore year, he fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Heather Anding. Nathan and Heather shared their love with an abundance of family and friends on July 7, 2001 when they exchanged their vows at United Methodist Church in River Falls.
Nathan attended Chippewa Valley Technical College where he earned a technical diploma in Automotive Maintenance in 2000. He had various jobs in the automotive industry ranging from mechanic, service writer, tire sales manager, tool sales, and outside sales for automotive parts. For the last seven years he became a well-respected Commercial Account Manager for Automotive Parts Headquarters, Inc (Auto Value) where he was named Salesman of The Year in 2020. Nathan served the River Falls community as a member of the River Falls Fire Department from 2007-2019.
Nathan’s greatest joy and accomplishment in life was raising his two children Karissa and Blake. He always inspired them to be the best version of themselves and walk through life with faith, confidence, humor, and love. He was their biggest cheerleader at all their events from sports to music. Nathan’s life will be exemplified through Karissa & Blake as he taught them how to love, be loved, and live life to the fullest. He was a full-on family man. His love for his family shined through as a devoted husband and dad. After his diagnosis, his utmost concern was that Heather, Karissa, & Blake would be “okay”, knowing his time on earth was limited.
He treasured the time with family and friends during special occasions, holidays, casual visits, dinner out, watching the Packers or just hanging out. His favorite place was spending endless hours at “The Lake” in Birchwood, WI, whether it was drinking a cup of coffee while looking out over the water, having conversations with family and neighbors, sharing laughs and stories around the campfire or meandering around on the pontoon. Nathan’s passion was hopping on his Harley to clear his head of his recent struggles, to ride alongside Heather on her bike or going on a group ride with Heather, Randy and Eloise. Sometimes there was a specific destination sometimes it was just to get out and ride.
Nathan was loved and will be remembered by so many for sharing his love and kindness. To his friends, he was a brother who was loyal & true. He had the greatest sense of humor which was usually followed up by Nathan-style bluntness. His faith was strong This became very profound after he was diagnosed; he knew his purpose for his time remaining was to be a disciple for Jesus. Nathan did this by sharing his faith boldly with others through conversation over coffee or posts to Facebook. He was a hard worker, believing in helping others, putting in 100% to any task. The impact Nathan left on this earth is nothing short of remarkable.
Nathan will forever be in the hearts of his wife, Heather; children, Karissa Baar & Blake Baar; parents, Randy & Gail (Marsh) Baar; parents-in-law, Randy & Eloise (Harck) Anding; siblings, Brian & Sarah (Early) Baar; Danny & Jolene (Johanningmeier) Baar; brothers-in-law Keith Anding and Rob Anding; nieces & nephews, Connor, Mickey, & Quinn Baar; Adam, Samuel & Lila Baar; aunts & uncles, Al & Cheryl (Marsh) Ciche, Dave Marsh and Wayne Baar; aunts-in-law, Chris (VanOrsow) Harck; Sally (Vissers) Anding; many cousins, extended family, and friends.
He is preceded in death by grandparents, Leland (Shorty) & Lillian Baar; John & Frances Marsh; aunts, Diane (Baar) Denzer; Nancy (Halverson) Marsh; uncle, Royce Baar; grandparents-in-law, Merlin & Carroll (Walker) Harck; Fritz & Ruth (Seekamp) Anding; uncles-in-law, Cecil Harck; Terry Harck; Ron Anding; aunt-in-law, Katy (Carlson) Harck; cousin-in-law, Christopher Harck.
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:00AM at First Covenant Church (1374 N Main St, River Falls, WI 54022). A Visitation was Friday, November 22, 2024 from 3:00-7:00PM at First Covenant Church and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Nathan’s service.
11 Comments
We were so shocked/saddened to hear of the loss of Nathan. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for strength and comfort go out to you all. 🙏May God give you peace, knowing he is whole in Heaven now. We are heartbroken 💔 for your loss…hugs, from Iowa.
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the Baar family. I recently heard the news and it breaks my heart. I’m in shock and disbelief. Nate had a strong faith in God and I know he’s walking with Jesus. I’m without words. May God’s angels comfort you all in the days ahead. We lost a wonderful classmate and friend. Your fight is over my friend, go rest. 😭💔🙏
I’m so sad Nathan lost his fight with his cancer. He and Heather had fought the good fight for a long time. He was such a joy to have in 5th grade. Polite and helpful with a lovely sense of humor. I’m so sorry I will be gone this weekend so can’t attend the funeral. My prayers are with the whole family. 💕
We are heartbroken for Heather and their family. Please know you’re in our prayers now, and in the days to come. We love you.
Beautiful tribute for an amazing man who lived life to the fullest and was an inspiration to many.
Well done, Nate. You poured your love into your family and they are a testament to all of your goodness
This is so beautifully written. What an incredible guy.
Born on a cold Wisconsin February night, Nathan brought much needed warmth into the world. His grandmother, Frances Marsh, had passed away only three days prior. Over time his parents imbued him with strong moral virtues and he learned that Baar humility that endeared him to many. It was a joy to watch him developed into a fine young man, brother, husband, and father. Our condolences to his family and many friends.
E en though we were not able to be there in person, we were blessed to join you in the on-line service. Our hearts ached for your loss but rejoiced in the strong testimony Nathan gave through his life as to the goodness and faithfulness of God. We believe his life and death in Jesus will bring many others to the same eternal life God gave him. We love you!
We wanted to be with you but couldn’t make it up from Texas. We watched thr memorial and were impressed byb a everyone’s respect and honor for Nathan. May God comfort you with His great glory and presence in this time of awful and deep brokenness where He often reveals himself in the most amazing ways! Your brother ,
Dave
Heather and family, I am so very sorry for your loss of Nathan. I’ve known your Mom & Dad and Rob over the years. Sincere condolences to you and your children.
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