Nathan Walker

COTTAGE GROVE - Nathan Walker, age 31, of Cottage Grove, WI, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. He was born on Aug. 10, 1991, in Winfield, IL, the son of Robert and Cathy (Noble) Walker.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, fire fighter Nate Walker tragically lost his battle with PTSD. Nate was a dedicated husband, father, firefighter, former police officer and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Nate leaves behind his wife, Kathryn (Katie) and their two young children.

Nathan graduated from DeForest High School in 2009. While in high school, he served in the Civil Air Patrol and as an intern at the DeForest Police Department. Immediately upon graduation, Nate joined the U.S. Marine Corps.  During his time in the Marine Corps, Nate was stationed in Afghanistan. Upon returning home, he served with the Wisconsin Capital Police and several years as an officer with the Sun Prairie Police Department where he and Katie first met. (As Katie tells it, he was that crazy cop who kept running into burning buildings before Katie and the fire department arrived.) He married Katie Berggren on Oct. 17, 2020.

At the time of his passing, Nate was a member of the Cottage Grove (WI) Fire Department along with Katie, who remains an active firefighter and paramedic. Nate never shied away from his own struggles with PTSD and often used his past experiences to connect with others to help them through their struggles. Sadly, it is often the ones helping who struggle the most.

Although Nate's battle has come to an end, we know that his wish has always been for others to overcome theirs. If you or anyone you know is suffering from PTSD, suicidal thoughts, or any other mental health issues, call or text 988 for help!

Nathan enjoyed painting miniature military pieces, target practice, working out, hiking, escape rooms, trying random restaurants, helping others, serving his country and community and, most importantly, spending time with his wife and children.

Nathan is survived by his wife, Katie; their son, Calvin Walker (age 2); their daughter, Charlotte Walker (age 1); his parents, Robert and Cathy Walker; his sister, Elise (Jonathan) NaThalang; his grandparents, Jack and Helen Noble; parents-in-law, Grant and Patricia Berggren; sisters-in-law, Nichole (Michael) Flores, Natalie (Greg) Stelzer and Karissa (Vincent) Johnson; brothers-in-law, Joseph Berggren and Jacob Berggren; nieces, Alexa Flores, Isla Stelzer and Naomi Johnson; nephews, Donovan Flores, Dominic Flores and Elijah Johnson; as well as many other family members and friends who loved and respected him.

A funeral service will be held at CITY CHURCH, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, with the Rev. Derrick Wright presiding.  Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, and also at City Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.  A procession will promptly follow the service to Roselawn Cemetery where graveside ceremonies will take place.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted to "Nate Walker Memorial Fund" and mailed to the Bank of Sun Prairie, 419 W. Cottage Grove Rd., Cottage Grove, WI, 53527 where an account has been set up for his family. A GoFundMe site has also been set up at <https://gofund.me/4f40bce1>. Memorials can also be sent to organizations supporting veterans, first responders, and those struggling with PTSD. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420