Nathan D. Beem

Nathan D. Beem , age 21, of Xenia, OH, passed away in his favorite place, Ellsworth MI on Friday August 24, 2018. He was born November 27, 1996 in Kettering, OH, the son of Daniel and Heather Beem.
Nathan was an avid outdoorsman who spent any free time fishing, hunting, kayaking, surfing, golfing, enjoying dirt track racing and snowboarding. Nathan began playing soccer when he was 5 years old. His youth years were spent at Club X Soccer on the Predators team which gave him the foundation to continue playing at a higher level. He played high school soccer for Xenia High School and was a leader and team captain. He played all four high school years for the Ohio Galaxies. The Galaxies team was ranked Nationally and gave him the opportunity to play soccer in college. He went on to play at the collegiate level at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on an academic and athletic scholarship. Those years helped form lifelong friendships in his soccer family.
Nathan transferred to Hocking College to change his major and completed his Associate Degree in Natural Resources Law Enforcement in May 2018, graduating with honors.
Nathan swore into the US Coast Guard in 2017 and entered basic training in Cape May, NJ in June 2018. He was a member of the color guard and proudly carried the POW MIA flag. He graduated from basic training August 3, 2018 and was stationed at Coast Guard Station Fairport on Lake Erie. Although he was only there a short time, he was dedicated to his mission, and loved all the people he met and spoke highly of his shipmates and Chief.
Nathan was a family man, rooted in his belief in God and enjoyed his time with his family and friends. He was an honest, humble, diligent, hardworking man. He had a tender heart and sweet spirit, but yet strong and deliberate. He never had an enemy, was a peacemaker and had many friends that were very special to him. He dearly loved his sister Kristin and little niece Ellie. He was known as nay-nay to many. He was a blessing to all that had the opportunity to know him.
Nathan grew up spending his summers in Northern MI. From the time he was born he grew to know and love the area. Nathan frequently talked about his future and his desire to own property there someday. He knew the lakes so well he could have easily been a fishing guide and knew all the good fishing holes. He began fishing the Chain of Lakes at a young age and was known as Nate the fisherman by many.
Nathan is survived by his sister, Kristin E. Beem and niece Ellie V. Beem, father Daniel L. Beem, mother Heather K Beem, grandmother Marilyn R. Meyer, grandmother Shirley A. Beem, grandfather Douglas A. Beem, uncle Greg S. Beem and aunt Liz Beem, uncle John Meyer, and cousins Maxwell, Jadyn and James. He is also survived by many close friends and his USCG shipmates.
Nathan's love for Northern Michigan drew him home on Friday August 24th to the place he loved and wanted to be. Nathan loved the peace and tranquility he found in the woods and on the lakes of Northern Michigan. We ask that in lieu of flowers donations be directed to the Little Traverse Conservancy in his honor. The Little Traverse Conservancy mission is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of Northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic area's and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment. Contributions can be made at https://landtrust.org/memorial-or-honorarium/ or contact:

Little Traverse Conservancy
3264 Powell Road
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
phone: (231) 347-0991


Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday September 4, 2018 at Dayton Avenue Baptist Church, 1121 Dayton Avenue, Xenia, OH 45385. Visitation will be from 4PM to 7PM, with services immediately following at 7PM. Please join us for dinner following the ceremony at the Church. We invite you to sign our family guest book and share a special memory of Nathan.