On Saturday, August 9, 2025, husband, brother, “funcle,” friend, and resident comic relief, Nathan Mosser, left this world surrounded by love. In his final act of generosity, Nathan gave the gift of life through organ donation, leaving this world in his own unforgettable way: with honor, purpose, and even a parade.
Nathaniel James Mosser was born on Sep. 25, 1978, in Devils Lake, the son of Vergil V. and Kathleen (Gathman) Mosser. He attended Devils Lake Public School, Flasher Public School, and graduated from Devils Lake High School with the class of 1997.
From the start, Buba had a heart as soft as it was big. He inherited his mother Kathy’s smile, laugh, and instinct to care for others whether they needed it or not.
Nathan jumped into the working world at McDonald’s and was so good at it he went all the way to Hamburger University—yes, it is a real thing, and yes, he was proud of it. Fast food would weave in and out of his career for the next decade.
Nathan later stepped into the medical field as a CNA and EMT like he was answering a higher call. His big loving heart and quick wit made him a favorite among even the most stubborn patients. If Nathan was caring for you, you were going to eat, you were going to laugh, and you were going to feel loved.
As a bartender, Nathan had a knack for turning customers into friends, all while adopting the nickname “Norton”—which he never fully explained, but everyone agreed fit him perfectly.
Babysitting was a joy for Nathan. He was a magnet for kids because, truthfully, he was just a big kid himself.
In his later years, his role at the Holiday Inn Express gave him the perfect opportunity to do what he did best—meet people. Nathan could have been the unofficial front desk manager for the entire city, based on the number of stories people shared about meeting him.
Nathan was a movie-watcher, a video gamer, and a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan who never missed a game. He loved cartoons and any excuse to get people laughing. But more than anything, Nathan loved big. He made sure everyone he met felt important, welcomed, and seen, and he would want you to do the same—never take time with friends or family for granted and always tell people you love them.
With the number of medical emergencies Nathan overcame, we were all convinced he had at least nine lives. Turns out, he just lived this one to the fullest—with a heart as big as his personality, a sense of humor that could have a whole room rolling, and an endless supply of Hi-Chews he handed out like a candy-based love language.
He leaves behind a family who adored him, friends who will never find someone quite like him, and a world that’s a little less funny without him in it.
He is survived by his precious wife, Lori (Nelson) Mosser, whom he married on April 19, 2008, and loved for over 17 years; his sister Daunne and her husband, Jason Heilman (Rugby); his sister Carisa and her husband, Matt Hoveland (West Fargo); his brother Daniel and his wife, Tricia Mosser (Fargo); and his sister-in-law Alice (Neal Schaffer) Nelson (Devils Lake); nieces and nephews Bailey, Taylor; Bree, Jake, Chloe; Carson, Gabi, Deliah; Aaron (Kylee) and their son Kaden; Devin; Hailey; godchildren Hunter, Haileigh, and Harleigh; countless friends, honorary family members, and probably someone he met once and gave a Hi-Chew to.
He was preceded in death by his parents Kathy and Vergil Mosser; mother-in-law and father-in-law Maybelle and DuWaine Nelson; brother-in-law Dale Nelson; grandparents; aunts; uncles; and friends who were like family.
There was a gathering of family and friends on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Ramsey County Event Center, rural Devils Lake followed by a Celebration of Life for Nathan.
