Obituary of Nathan David Runions

Nathan David Runions age 35 of Solon Springs, WI passed away on May 25th, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones after an ATV accident on May 21st, 2021. Nathan was born on March 19th, 1986 to loving parents Gregory & Barbara Runions. Nathan immediately graced this world with light and joy upon his entrance and that is something that never ended throughout his time here on earth.

Nathan graduated from Solon Springs High School in 2004. In 2008, Nathan successfully completed his Bachelors Degree in Political Science with a minor in Geography and History at the University of Minnesota Duluth. After College, Nathan went searching for his next adventure, stumbled upon many new friends and eventually became a volunteer Firefighter for the Solon Springs Fire Department. Nathan was hooked on preventing fires. It wasn’t long before a spark ignited within Nathan to become a Wildlife Firefighter. He traveled to Washington where he served his family and local community members proud in saving the forest the best way he knew how. Nathan most recently worked at Saratoga Warehouse and was looking to get back into wildlife firefighting. Firefighting was truly one of Nathan's biggest dreams.

Nathan AKA “Uncle Nay Nay/ Nature Nate,” was a loving uncle to his two nieces and nephew. He adored being the proud uncle who showed up to be the life of the party even if it wasn’t intended to be a party! Nathan always talked about the spark that he saw in the eyes of his nieces and nephew and knew their future would be limitless. Nathans love for his family was made very clear.

For those of you who were able to have Nathan in your life, even if it was a onetime meet, you would understand what we mean when we say he had a way about him that would make strangers feel like friends. He could light up a room with his smile, laugh, and overall demeanor. Sometimes he would even make you question what you got yourself into just by simply being around him. Nathan always left you walking away smiling with a damn good story to tell for years to come.

Nathan was an amazing guitarist and songwriter, a hard worker, a philosophical genius, a driftless gypsy just waiting for his next adventure, a walking historical encyclopedia who would demolish you in any political debate. He was the easiest target for any comical roast with a soul that took it like he was auditioning for Comedy Central. Last but not least Nathan was the best son and brother that anyone could have asked for. Nathan's presence is sorely missed and his loss is deeply felt across many miles.

Nathan is preceded in death by: grandparents Jim and Pat Runions, Oliver and Geraldine Phillips, George and Eithel Sandmon, Uncle Tom Sandmon, Aunt Darlene Phillips, and cousins Carl and Darrin. Nathan is survived by his father Gregory (Susan) Runions, mother Barbara Wickstrom, older brother Jeredt Runions of Solon Springs, WI. His younger sisters Jelena Runions of Mount Carroll, IL, and Hannah Ross of Raeford, NC, as well as his two nieces Riley and Emilia, and nephew Elliot.

We invite you to a Celebration of Life that will be held on July 3rd, 2021 at 1pm at the Bird Sanctuary in Gordon, WI. Please bring your favorite memories of Nathan and any pictures or videos you are willing to share with his family. Nathan would not want you to mourn in sadness, but rather reminisce in the beauty that this life has to offer. Remember folks, only you can prevent forest fires!

Attached a list of hotels and camping for any out of town friends and family may be interested in. We understand that this is a very busy weekend for everyone and understand if anyone is unable to attend.

St. Croix Inn 11390 S 5th St E, Solon Springs, WI 54873 Phone: 715-378-4444 https://stcroixinnhotel.com/

Lucius Woods Campground 9231 East Marion Avenue, Solon Springs, WI 54873 https://www.douglascountywi.org/650/Campgrounds scroll to the bottom

Swanson’s Motel, Cabins, and Campground 11829 US-53 BUS, Solon Springs, WI 54873 Phone: 715-372-2215 https://swansonsmotel.com/ Additional places: https://www.airbnb.com/solon-springs-wi/stays OR https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60320-Superior_Wisconsin-Hotels.html