Nathaniel Levi Scott Nidey

NATHANIEL LEVI SCOTT NIDEY

Des Moines

Nathaniel Levi Scott Nidey of Des Moines, Iowa, born July 13, 1982, was loved, each in their own unique and complete way, by his children, Huck Nidey and Norah Nidey of Des Moines; his wife, Julie Collins Nidey of Des Moines; his mother, Stephanie Scott of Des Moines; his father, Frank Nidey (Shannon) of Cedar Rapids; his children's mother and grandmother, Jordan Kauffman and Sibyl Kauffman of Des Moines; and his extended family. Despite all this love and despite his own very best efforts, Nathaniel succumbed to the overpowering cycle of his addictions and depression. He ended his life after seeing his children off to school, hugging them, and telling them he would love them forever. Few, if any, who knew him will believe that his disease left him with a choice at the moment of his death.

Nathaniel loved his children and his family fiercely. He was filled with love and pride at every school event in which his children participated. He loved to take them camping and swimming; he was an outstanding home chef.

Nathaniel was employed as an engineer throughout most of his career, expertly caring for the systems supporting large buildings. Earlier this year, he became the chief engineer for the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, overseeing its re-opening and early days of operation, where his employers and co-workers describe him as highly knowledgeable and dedicated; a willing, kind and effective mentor; and cheerful helpmate to all.

Nathaniel searched for spiritual connection in many ways but often found it in nature, particularly in the Driftless region of northeast Iowa. There he found solace in a quiet trout stream, at an old barn near the edge of an oak savannah, and driving his diesel Ford F-250 King Ranch on gravel roads through the unaltered Iowa landscape with his favorite dog, Gravy, at his side.

An outdoor celebration of life for Nathaniel will be planned in Eastern Iowa sometime this spring.

Due to the pandemic, personal attendance at the service for Nathaniel will be limited but it will be livestreamed from ilesfuneralhomes.com on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at 3 p.m. Donations for the benefit of Nathaniel's children may be sent to Frank Nidey c/o Iles Westover Funeral Homes in Des Moines or to The Nature Conservancy.