Trending
This year, when the Oktemberfest Parade makes its way through the streets of Marshalltown, one familiar hometown name will be honored in a special way. Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel "Nate" Howard has been named an Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2026 Oktemberfest Parade, giving the Marshalltown community an opportunity to celebrate not only his service, but the person he was and the impact he had on the people around him.
For those who knew Nate, it's hard to sum him up in a few words. He was funny, smart, sarcastic and someone who never seemed to take himself too seriously. He loved a good movie quote and could probably carry on an entire conversation in them. He enjoyed playing video games, woodworking, shooting and spending time at home with the people he loved. He had a way of making people laugh and bringing his own personality into every room he walked into. And if people knew Nate well, they probably have a story about him that couldn’t possibly be included in a press release.
Nate also had a strong sense of purpose from a very young age. Inspired by his grandfather's military service, he knew early on that he wanted to be a soldier. He soaked up everything he could about military history, firearms, aircraft and anything else that captured his interest. At just 17 years old, while a senior at Marshalltown High School, he began pursuing that dream. What started as a childhood ambition became a 12-year commitment to the Iowa Army National Guard and his country.
Those who served with Nate knew how seriously he took that commitment. He constantly pushed himself to be better and expected the same of those around him. He had a natural ability to bring out the best in people, and his intelligence, determination and leadership earned the respect of the soldiers who served alongside him.
But his life was about much more than his military career. Nate was a husband, son, brother, grandson, friend, coworker and a part of the Marshalltown community. He worked as a laser engraving specialist at Emerson and was a member of UAW Local 893 Unit 1.
Nate was killed in action in Palmyra, Syria, on Dec. 13, 2025, at the age of 29. While his military service is an important part of his story, his selection as an Honorary Grand Marshal is about remembering the whole person. It is about the kid from Marshalltown who dreamed of becoming a soldier, the husband who loved his wife, the son and brother who loved his family, the friend who made people laugh, the coworker who was part of the community and the person whose presence made a difference to so many people.
This September, the Oktemberfest Parade will give Marshalltown a chance to come together and celebrate Nate's life, his service and the memories he left behind. It is a chance for the community to recognize someone who was proud to serve his country and proud to call Marshalltown home.
We remember Nate. We honor Nate. And we’re proud that he was one of ours.
To know Nate was to know the best of us.