STEELEVILLE – Nathan Allen Harding, 51, passed away at Chester Memorial Hospital on Monday, March 17, 2025

Nathan was born on August 14, 1973, in Chester, IL, to Louis "Joe" and Marilyn (Liefer) Harding. He was confirmed and graduated from St. Mark's Lutheran School in 1987, Steeleville High School in 1991, and from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a degree in Hotel-Restaurant Management.

After making lifelong memories in Carbondale with many old and new friends, Nathan moved to Chicago and started a career working in the food service industry. Later, Nathan moved to California where he managed a restaurant in San Diego and was a Chef in La Jolla and Napa. Nathan returned to both Chicago and Carbondale briefly, before coming back to reside in his hometown of Steeleville, IL. Nathan began working at Spartan Light Metals and loved his co-workers and spoke of them with warmth and respect. But the role that Nathan was most honored to perform in his life was as Elder at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where he was also a member. He especially relished his time cooking for the annual chicken dinners and wurstmarts.

Nathan was the best cook in the family and everyone agreed that no restaurant steak could compare to the ones he grilled at home. His recipes for the brightest bruschetta and savory rubs died with him and will be missed at family gatherings and holidays.

Nathan is survived by his parents, Joe and Marilyn Harding of Steeleville, IL, his sisters, Natalie (David) Wesbecher of Sparta, IL, and Nicole (Matthew) Sidor of Arlington Heights, IL, his niece and nephews: Jackson Wesbecher, Sophie Wesbecher, Daniel Sidor and Joseph Sidor.

Nathan was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Harry and Melba (Smith) Harding, maternal grandparents, Paul and Hilda (Schnepel) Liefer and uncles, Don Liefer and Jim Ogilvie.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 21, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Mark Harriss officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mark's Lutheran Cemetery, Steeleville, IL. Visitation will be Thursday evening, where friends may call from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, and then Friday morning from 8:00 am until time of service at the church. Memorials in Nathan's memory me be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.