Nathan Ward Bear

It is with great honor and grace, that the family of Nathan Ward Bear, age 88, announce his departure from this life to enter the next.

On April 4th, 2026, at 12:37 a.m. Nathan readily succumbed to a battle with cancer. Nathan had never known a day of major sickness, surgery or health complication before the diagnoses. He was very blessed to have otherwise enjoyed a well over 80 years of a happy, healthy life.

Nathan was born in Tama, Iowa, on April 17, 1937 to Percy Bear and Alice Green. His first languages were Meskwaki and Winnebago. He graduated from Tama High School and was a proud member of the first all Native American High School football team, the Tama Raiders. Playing alongside many other Meskwaki, they were a very formidable bunch being able to call plays in the Meskwaki language. He played defensive end.

After high school, Nathan proudly served in the United States Navy and was a crew member on the USS Gyatt. This was America’s first guided missile destroyer. Nathan served from 1956-1960 and was proud of his service to the United States of America.

Following his military service Nathan spent some time in Charleston, South Carolina, before traveling to Des Moines, Iowa, seeking employment closer to the Meskwaki Settlement. While in Des Moines he started a family that he supported by working in the concrete trade for over 30 years and into his 60’s. His final destination was back home on the Meskwaki Settlement in 2000. After retirement Nathan still yearned to work and did so as a janitor at the Meskwaki Settlement school.

Nathan was known to many by his overly supportive spectating of youth sports, including those involving the Meskwaki Settlement school and South Tama County. “They need to hear you”, he would always say. Nathan never knew a stranger and had a slew of sayings and jokes that never failed to bring a smile.

Nathan enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, listening to old country western music and movies, firearms, second-hand shopping with his late wife, Gayla Bear, working and providing for those in his life. He was always offering a smile and greeting to all, he was positive and always showed empathy to those less fortunate than him.

Nathan is survived by his children Matthew Bear, 48; Mark Bear, 45; Mamie Bear, 43; many grandchildren and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Gayla Bear; his children, Luke Bear and twin daughters, Lisa and Christina Bear; and his parents, Percy and Alice.

Family will be greeting friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home; 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral service will take place immediately following the visitation at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Nathan will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery with full military honors presented by the United States Navy and American Legion Post #701.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed the Salvation Army in honor of Nathan.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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