Nathan ‘Nate’ Lassing

Nate was born on July 19, 1980 in Marquette to Elizabeth (Frank) Allen and Peter (Linda) Lassing.

He was a 1999 graduate of Marquette Senior High School. Nate also attended Northern Michigan University, completed a pre-mortuary science program at Bay College and attended the Worsham School of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois.

While attending college, Nate worked in a variety of positions including City of Marquette Park Patrol, NMU Public Safety, Allo-Coolman Funeral Home in Escanaba and Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home in Wheeling, Illinois.

He also worked in his father’s restaurant, The Irish Rover doing food preparation.

Though Nathan’s short life presented many challenges, what will be remembered by the many that knew and loved him is his big heart, generous spirit, willingness to help others and his ability to rise above his circumstances and emerge stronger.

Nathan had an exceptionally close relationship with his mother, Beth, who unconditionally loved and supported him through all of the mountaintop milestones and the deepest valleys in his life.

Nathan had a special place in his heart for animals especially his beloved comfort dog, Popeye, who was his constant companion. He had an amazing sense of compassion for the elderly.

Nathan loved to ski, play golf and recently darts, and was a huge Green Bay Packer fan.

Survivors include his mother, Beth and step-father, Frank Allen of Marquette; Beth’s brothers, Richard Schwarz and his partner, Mary Metzger; Ron Schwarz and his wife, Michelle; Richard’s son, Jim Schwarz and wife, Shari; Jim’s children, Heather and Kevin; Shari’s daughter, Stephanie Gerathy and her husband, David; Beth’s cousin, Cindy Haines and husband, Dick and their daughters, Rebecca Haines and Anna Volleman, her husband, David and son, Pax; Frank’s daughter, Lisa Steffian and her husband, George and their children, Clara and Hildie; also Nate’s comfort dog, Popeye. Also surviving is his father, Peter Lassing and step-mother, Linda of Marquette; Peter’s daughter, Madeline Deegan and husband, Ryan; Madeline and Ryan’s daughter, Tallulah Mae and Peter’s son, Matthew Lassing; Linda’s daughter, Ashley Allen-Stanke and husband, Jason and their daughter, Riley; Linda’s son, Kyle Allen and his daughter, Reese.

Nate was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Elizabeth and Elmer John Schwarz and paternal grandparents, Veronica and Peter Lassing, and his beloved dog, Lexy.

Friends may call at St. Michael Catholic Church on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial scheduled for 11 a.m. in the church with the Rev. Gregory Heikkala officiating. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Matt Lassing, Bob Airaudi, Dave Edwards, Jake Edwards, Jim Schwarz, and Brian Balmes. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom LaPenna and Mike Stanaway.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider UPAWS, PO Box 968, Marquette, MI 49855 or to Room at the Inn, 347 Rock St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Nathan’s memory.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting Nathan’s family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.