Nathan Mace

Nathan O. "Nate" Mace, age 51 of St. Clair, died on Saturday, July 14, 2012 following a courageous battle with head and neck cancer.             Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 21st at 11:00 A.M. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Clair, with Rev. Matthew Grunewald officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.             Visitation will be held on Friday afternoon from 4 to 8 P.M. at Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home & Crematory in Janesville, and will continue on Saturday morning for one hour prior to services at church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.             Nathan Otto was born on August 12, 1960 to Gerald and Muriel (Froehlich) Mace in Mankato, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Clair. Nate graduated in 1978 from St. Clair High School. After high school he began a 34 year career with Kato Engineering in Mankato. On June 22, 1984 he was united in marriage to Shawn D. Kawell at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mankato. Nate and Shawn raised their family and have resided in St. Clair their entire married life. He served on the St. Clair Fire Department for 33 years, and as Assistant Fire Chief for the last 23 years. Nate also served as secretary and treasurer of the Blue Earth County Fire Chiefs Association for many years. Nate was a lifetime member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Clair, and a longtime member of the Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA). He enjoyed time spent with his family and friends, street rods and riding his Harley.             He is survived by his wife Shawn of St. Clair; by his two sons, Tanner Mace and special friend Tasha Lyons, and Brandon Mace all of St. Clair; by his mother, Muriel Mace of St. Clair; by his three sisters, Bonnie (Ron) Roalson and Geraldine (Dave) Sonday all of St. Clair, and Geneva (Paul) Mueller of Mankato; by his mother-in-law, Shirley Kawell of Mankato; by his sisters-in-law, Shari (Terry) Keltgen of Mankato and Shelli (Jeff) Hoffmann of Cleveland; by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.             He was preceded in death by his father Gerald Mace; by his father-in-law Monard Kawell; by his nephew Andrew Roalson.               Casket Bearers are: Bill Fitzloff, Dave Sickler, Rick Abdo, Steve Warner, Mark Richardson, and Roger Otto.             Honorary Bearers are: Members of the St. Clair Fire Department.