SSG Nathan Henry Lee Reetz's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Staff Sergeant Nathan Henry Lee Reetz
Staff Sergeant Nathan Henry Lee Reetz was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on January 30th, 1995, to Terri Mynatt and Allan Reetz. He had two brothers, Ryan Meister and Brandan Meister. He is survived by his loving wife Lauren Reetz, three daughters, Iris Reetz, Violet Reetz and Olive Reetz and one son, Orion Reetz, his mom Terri Mynatt, his dad Allan Reetz, as well as his grandparents Roy Mynatt and Joetta Mynatt, Uncle Richard Mynatt and Aunt Altra Mynatt and two nephews, Liam Meister and Mason Meister. He attended Girard High School and graduated from Memorial High School in May 2013. After that he attended the University of Arkansas for Bio Medical Engineering because he had a dream to help fix my back. Nathan enlisted into active duty in 2018, as a Combat Medic Specialist. In January 2020, Nathan was assigned to Fort Bragg, NC where he would serve in the 83rd Civil Affairs Battalion, where he would deploy in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and earn promotion to Sergeant. In July 2022, He was reassigned to Fort Carson, CO, as an Emergency Care Sergeant and would deploy overseas in support of Operations European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce in Bulgaria. On Sunday, September 23rd 2018, while he was in strenuous combat training, he wrote a letter. A piece of that letter said: “Everyday I think about how the Spartan Warrior Training was so much harder than the training I’m doing now. I’m sure in a past life we were Spartan Fighters together and this is nothing compared to that. So I just keep on pushing through. “I want you to know I’m not taking it easy just coasting by. I’m pushing myself as far as I can.” That determination, tenacity, and drive to be the best earned Nathan 13 medals in the Army. He was awarded three Army of Commendation Medals, 5 Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Esteemed Expert Field Medical badge. He was constantly the top performer in his branch of the Military. To such an extent, they had a special celebration in San Antonio for a handful of the most talented individuals in the Army. His entire family was there to support him and everyone of this small group of his peers was called to the front to receive a medal. We kept waiting for Nathan’s name to be called, but the reason it took so long was because his name was saved for last. Out of the most talented individuals, Nathan was number one. He scored the highest and was presented with a special military battle knife, which is now framed and hung on the wall with pride. The sheer work, studying, and time we watched him put into that accomplishment is still motivational to this very day. In Nathan's childhood years he grew up in Tahlequah, Oklahoma with his mom. Where she would take him to float and swim the Illinois river. They would hike and explore the rolling hills of forests that surrounded them, which was a large part in forming his love for nature and being a good spirit. After moving to and exploring Florida with his dad for a time, he would eventually move to Pittsburgh Kansas and I was lucky enough to live with him. That is where he would have his first two daughters, Iris and Violet. Nathan was a great dad, and gave his girls all the attention in the world. To such an extent that when we would call him, he would have two conversations, one with us and one with the girls. He did this to show them respect and let them know that they always mattered to him. Nathan was eventually stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. He had been there just three days before god connected him to his wife Lauren, where they had Orion and Olive. They were married at a gorgeous place called Helen Hunt Falls. They said, “I do” while standing in the flowing springs coming down from the waterfall surrounded by lush green trees. When Nathan and Lauren moved in together they created a home full of love and kindness. At this special home, Nathan loved having the music playing because he thought it was a beautiful way to enrich the mood of the house, where he was always cooking. Lauren said he made the best batches of salsa she has ever eaten, and that he could make a steak better than the restaurants. They loved watching Hells Kitchen, Master Chef, and Gordon Ramsey. Nathan was always proud of his ability to take information and use it to make delicious food for his family to eat. They had many friends and one of their favorite things to do was host them for game nights, holidays, and dinner parties while corralling their cute little kids in the background. Nathan was a great writer with a wildly fun imagination. One of his outlets for this was Dungeons and Dragons. His face and voice would light up when talking about the storylines he was building for his friends to play. He would build worlds and spend hours creating emotionally gripping stories. Inventing characters and weaving the history he built for each of them together, in attempts to make his friends shed a tear and be on the edge of their seat. When Nathan wasn’t out in nature, performing his duties for the military, or playing with the girls he would relax with a good video game. He spent countless evenings laughing, strategizing, and making memories with his family and close friends. Through gaming, Nathan formed friendships that became lifelong bonds, always finding ways to connect people and build lasting relationships. Above every accomplishment, Nathan’s greatest pride was his family. He loved deeply, gave generously, and lived with a servant’s heart. Whether caring for patients as a medic, supporting fellow soldiers, encouraging friends, or simply playing with his children, Nathan consistently put others before himself. Nathan was the type to truly believe in god, the spiritual, and the universe side of things. He believed there is something bigger and exciting on the other side of this reality we currently all live in. He was one of those souls that if you believe the same or give it a shot, he will be on the other side to talk to. He’ll be there looking after you, hanging out with us, and watching over us with protection, good luck, a hug, and a smile. Whenever you want to talk to him again, just start talking to him. He will be there, and he will be so impressed and excited to talk to you. He will love the fact that he’s on the other side, but still with us and finally able to show us that it’s all real. We are all going to miss him deeply. There is no replacing Nathan and the uniqueness he brought to the world. We will cherish the memories, the time, the love, the fun, the thoughts, and conversations we got to have with him. We love you Nathan. Thank you for continuing to be here for us all.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, at 10:00 a.m. at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 522 South Broadway Street, Pittsburg, Kansas.
Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg, KS.
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