Submit a PhotoNathan Roger Kassebaum, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on April 5, 2024, at 9:28 p.m. at Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert, AZ, at the age of 44. Born on July 1, 1979, in Omaha, NE, Nate’s journey in life was characterized by his unwavering faith, brilliant mind, and profound love for his family. Nate was a devout Christian, finding strength and guidance in his faith.
Nate began life in small-town Springfield, NE, moving to Fairbury, NE, Yutan, NE, and Omaha, NE, during his childhood. In his youth, he loved riding bikes, playing video games, and playing with action figures like He-Man and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
His academic and professional paths were marked by distinction and a commitment to excellence. After graduating from Millard North High School, he pursued a B.S. in Computer Science at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where he graduated in 2002. Nate furthered his education at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, earning his J.D. magna cum laude in 2013, and was recognized by his peers, joining the Order of the Coif and serving as a Research Editor for the Arizona State Law Journal.
Nate’s career was distinguished by his expertise in patent litigation, representing clients in a wide range of technological fields. His work spanned district courts, the International Trade Commission, and the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board, earning him recognition from Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Patent Law from 2022 to 2024.
Before his career in law, Nate worked in the casino gaming industry and as a software developer, experiences that gave him a unique edge in his legal practice. He was a senior IP attorney with Perkins Coie LLP’s Intellectual Property practice, where he was deeply respected for his keen analytical skills and ability to navigate complex patent cases.
Beyond his professional achievements, Nate’s heart was always with his family and church community. He faced his battle with cancer with remarkable strength and grace, sharing his journey and reflections in ways that inspired all who knew him. He shared not just the struggles but the moments of gratitude that illuminated his path. Nate’s love for life, unwavering faith, and dedication to his family and work leave a lasting legacy.
Nate’s love for his wife, Diana, and their children, Xander, Alissa, and Michaelyn, knew no bounds. He was a guiding light in their lives, always striving to instill in them the values of kindness, determination, and faith.
Nate was a man of many interests, including poker, where his strategic mind led him to many victories. His quick wit and love for numbers were apparent. A tech wizard, he programmed and customized numerous Smart House features for his home. He enjoyed Husker football, watching movies, listening to music, and sharing meals and moments with loved ones.
He is mourned by his loving wife of 15 years, Diana; children, Xander, Alissa, and Michaelyn; parents, Roger and Kathy Kassebaum; sister, Katie (Kyle) Godbout, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws: Ofelia Cooper, Angel, Kathleen and Xavier Parra, and a wide circle of friends and extended family. Nate was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Carl and Ardelle Kassebaum, and maternal grandfather, Burgess Powell.
A service to celebrate Nate’s life will be held at Faith Church of the Valley, 2125 E Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85225, at 1 p.m., Friday April 12th, 2024 followed by graveside services at 2:45 p.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297.
Following the services, a meal and time of fellowship will be offered until 5:15 p.m. at the same location, inviting all who knew Nate to share in the joy and love he brought into this world.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Nate’s favorite charity, Donations may be made to Alliance Defending Freedom (https://adflegal.org/donate) Tax ID number 54-1660459, Flowers can be sent to Faith Church of the Valley, 2125 E Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85225.
Nate’s legacy is one of love, faith, and perseverance. As we remember him, let us hold close the words that brought him comfort: “Here in the love of Christ I stand.” Nate’s journey was marked by courage, love, and a profound trust in God’s plan.
In one of his last conversations with his father, Roger, He said “Don’t ever let anyone say I lost my battle with cancer. The cancer is buried dead in the grave and will never come out. I have a new body in heaven. No suffering, no pain.”
In his memory let us embrace each day with hope, compassion, and a commitment to bringing joy to those around us.
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The utmost sorrow is felt for the loss of this man. For he was a worthy man, one that stood for what he believed in with iron steadfastness to the very last. Yet still kept a levity through it all. Sure in his knowledge and kind with his words. A rarity in this world. He will be awfully missed.
Nate and I were buddies since our 8th grade trip from Omaha to Washington DC. We had briefly interacted before that in 7th grade at Millard North Middle School, and I have to admit, I didn’t get a long with him at first. But when we were forced by chance to sit close to each other on the bus ride to our flight out of Kansas City, his sense of humor almost immediately won me over and we became fast friends.
That friendship extend through high school, where he introduced me to the world of computers, playing early LAN games like Doom and Quake, taking programming classes with Mr. Biga. His father, “Doctor” Kassebaum we called him, was one of the first people I knew of to have a connection to this new thing (to me, anyway) called “the internet”, and I credit these as some of the fundamental experiences that led me to my career as a software engineer.
I’m pretty sure Nate was the person that got me into listening to bands like Nirvana and Nine Inch Nails, music which are pretty much touch stones in my musical journey.
After high school graduation, Nate was one of only a few friends that I stayed close to and that ever came to visit me after I moved to Austin, and during the early Facebook days, we’d debate regularly about all issues in the world. Him becoming more and more religious, and me becoming more and more atheistic led to vigorous discussions that, while sometimes aggravating, I will always cherish, as I saw a lot of myself in him, and it was intriguing to catch a glimpse of a perspective that I probably would have had if life had gone just slightly differently for me.
I was lucky enough to get a chance to hang out with him in person again, for what turns out to be the last time, a few years ago when my family took a road trip to the Grand Canyon. We grabbed lunch at a dope BBQ restaurant in Arizona that he picked out, and it was like no time had passed at all. We were cracking jokes and laughing the afternoon away just like that bus ride in middle school.
My heart breaks that Nate was taken so early in life, and as a father, I just can’t fathom the pain that losing him has inflicted upon his children.
My deepest condolences go out to his family. I am confident that Nate made all of our lives better by getting the chance to know him, and nothing will fill the void that is left by his passing.
We are heartbroken for the family.
So sorry for the loss of Nathan, what a remarkable man and life. My condolences
Roger and family, I am so sorry to hear about Nate. I remember his unique since of humor and love of life. He accomplished so much, and has left a wonderful legacy.
Sorry for your loss. Diana you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
To the Kassebaum family,
Sending you love and light.
May Nate rest in peace.
So sorry for your family’s loss of Nate. Our hearts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Rest in Peace, Nate.
My thoughts are with the Kassebaum family. May happy memories sustain you and God give you strength in this difficult time. RIP, Nate.
I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Nate—your son, brother, husband, father or friend. It’s so hard to watch a loved one battle day after day to stay alive. My deepest sympathy goes out to all who were a part of Nate’s life as you walk on holding memories of him in your heart.
Roger and Kathy,
This news is so hard to take. Ann and I wish you our condolences. May Nate’s memory be a blessing and may the memories give you strength in your time of grief.
RIP man.
I tried to make it down for his service, but could not.
I first met Nate online (2003/2004) – it wouldn’t be another 8-10 years (after we both quite the game too) until we first met in person when he came to Seattle for a business holiday (oh, about 2012?). I remember him tell me about his trip, as we had Olive Garden in South Center: “I laughed because we had to go around the room discussing our diversity. so I look around. ‘well, I’m a married, hetero, white Christian male – and that’s pretty diverse compared with the rest of the team here'”.
Thanks to Facebook, we’d keep in touch – and then I found out my work was sending us to Arizona (Chandler) in 2018. So we met up again – I got to meet his wonderful family that time.
I tried to meet up with him last year, as we were cleaning out my wife’s grandmothers house after she passed in Casa Grande – but he was in Texas getting treatment.
Thanks for being a good friend all these years – wish we had lived closer.
Godspeed, Turkish.
and God bless your family until we all see each other again.
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Nate’s passing from a friend in Omaha. He was an incredibly talented man who shared his love for family, God, and knowledge with those he knew and loved. We are saddened that Nate is gone, but he is now without pain of any kind and enjoying a new body in his heavenly home. May God give you all peace, comfort and grace as you go through this difficult time. Hugs and much love for all the family, Sandi Ellison.