Nathan’s Earthly Journey
A Child of Austin
Nathan David Kehrein began his earthly journey on January 13, 1979, as a 9 pound 14 ounce happy boy. Born at St. Anne’s Hospital in Chicago, Il., during the great snowstorm of ’79, his birthmother blessed Glen & Lonni Kehrein with the great privilege of traveling this life with Nathan David, their “beloved gift of God”.
Nathan brought great joy (and a smattering of consternation) to those he encountered throughout his childhood in the Austin neighborhood, at Rock Church, Andrew Jackson Language Academy and St. John’s Lutheran School. He graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1997 where he played football, starting three straight years on the Varsity team. He was selected as a member of the 1996 All-City All-Star Team and was named defensive player of the game, an accomplishment he cherished.
He served four years in the United States Air Force during which time he enjoyed competing on the elite National Defender Challenge Team throughout the United States. He was named to the U.S. Military World Team, but an old football injury resurfaced under the tremendous physical demands, taking him out of this strenuous competition.
Nathan was a child of Rock Church, participating in drum classes, children’s choir, plays and outings. He played basketball at Circle Urban Ministries with the Wolf Pack, where physical, moral and spiritual foundations were nurtured by Coach Bo Delaney, whom he loved to follow and challenge.
Since childhood, being outdoors brought unbridled joy to Nathan. He lived for fishing for Northern pike in the frigid waters of Northern Canada with his Dad. Nate was most at peace in a deer stand deep in the woods with his bow and with “Linc” somewhere nearby freezing his rear end off. He enjoyed many hours of serenity at the River House, a small family “shack in the woods”. Nathan loved raising and breeding his numerous “Bulldogs”, one of which he imported from Thailand! Spending time with his little brother Cy, his nephew Sean David, and his niece Jessie were some of the most treasured moments of his life during the past five years.
In early adulthood, Nathan began to experience a descending shadow of depression and anxiety. The remainder of his earthly journey was a valiant battle to ward off the darkness and pain he felt almost constantly. His family’s love and support sustained him through frequent episodes that eventually eroded his sense of hope. On Saturday, May 15, 2010, at age 31, Nathan ended his own life. His wonderful smile, twinkly eyes, and teasing nature will be dramatically missed by all who loved him so much.
Memorial Fund: In lieu of gifts or flowers for the family, please consider a memorial gift in Nathan’s name to Men In Action, a ministry that brought stability and support to Nathan during the last year of his life. Men In Action equips men who have been held captive or ‘missing in action’ by drugs, alcohol, incarceration, life choices to find God’s grace, re-enter and succeed in society. (Please contribute through Circle Urban Ministries – 118 N. Central Av – Chicago, IL 60644 – write "Men in Action" on memo line) |
Click here listen to U.S. Rep. Danny Davis' comments at Nathan's funeral service. |
