Obituaries

Nathaniel “Nate” Thomas Schimmel, 39

January 22, 2024

Nate Schimmel, 39, of Lancaster, passed away while in the care of hospice surrounded by his loving family and friends following a courageous four-year fight with a rare form of Sarcoma Cancer on January 22, 2024.

Nate shared ten wonderful years of love, laughter, and joy with his beloved partner, Christine “Chrissy” Wells. They enjoyed caring for their pets, including their current cat, Jean, visiting with family and friends, volunteering, and traveling together. Nate also enjoyed cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles football team, vacationing at Rehoboth Beach while eating Grottos pizza, watching movies, especially anime, listening to music, drawing, playing video games, reading comic books, and spending time with his family and friends. Nate was also kind, honest, brave, true, and, most importantly, a fierce and loyal friend.

Nate’s faith in God guided his life, giving him strength and purpose through the difficulties of his cancer diagnosis as well as the challenges he faced with his mental health. He was not ashamed to share his testimony and the love of God with anyone he met. It was his determination in life to help and support others who faced similar mental health or cancer diagnosis in any way he could. Above all, he wanted them to know that no one must face life alone and that Jesus loves them.

The son of Susan (Dissington) and Daniel Schimmel, Nate was raised in Palmyra, Broomall, and Lancaster, PA, graduating from Hempfield High School in 2002. He received a degree in graphic design from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Lancaster, where he also worked as a custodian. Most recently, he worked as a custodian at Lancaster Mennonite School until his cancer diagnosis.

In addition to his partner, Chrissy, and his parents, Sue and Dan, Nate is survived by his brother Greg Schimmel, husband of Katie Patterson, and Kim Rowe, wife of Adam Rowe, along with his in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews that he loved dearly.

Nate, Chrissy, and Nate’s family would like to thank everyone at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, Penn Medicine, Community Services Group (CSG), and Hospice and Community Care for providing compassionate care and extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who supported and prayed for Nate throughout his cancer journey.

A celebration of Nate’s life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the High Fine Arts Center at Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602, beginning at 11 AM. The family will receive guests from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite sports gear in Nate’s memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in remembrance of Nate can be made to one of the following: Kylee’s Dancing Angels, a non-profit foundation providing the financial means necessary to help sarcoma cancer patients like Nate get to their “happy place” and or Hospice and Community Care’s, Sunflower Pediatric Program offering specialized care and comfort designed around the unique needs of children with serious illness and their family.

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Condolences to the Family

April 09, 2024

Dear, Chrissy ~
I am so sorry to not be able to join you on the 4th as you celebrate the wonderful life that Nate lived and the love he shared with you and clearly so many others. What a beautiful testimony to a life of faith and love. We will be traveling south to pick up Jake from school, but my heart and my thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family as you gather to celebrate, to mourn, to cherish, and to love one another through this difficult time. Love & Peace to you, my friend.
Jill Reichert

February 14, 2024

The tears have finally fallen as you have been released from pain.

An empty chair, a shadowed space, A laugh unheard, a silent grace. Brother’s voice, a fading song, Memories linger, warm and strong.
Tears may fall, like winter rain, But love for you will not wane. In stardust whispers, starlight’s gleam, Your spirit shines, a gentle beam.
Though paths diverge, beyond the veil, Our bond remains, no ending tale. Until we meet, on some far shore, My heart holds you, forevermore.

February 07, 2024

When you Believe beyond what your eyes see, signs from heaven show up to remind you that Love never dies.The kind, compassionate care Nate received will live on in the hearts of all those who bestowed it upon him. In addition the empathy and support Nate provided to the cancer patients he encountered will be lovingly perpetuated.
Kathleen N Lockhart
 
 

January 29, 2024

I never knew your sweet son. However, I feel like I got a good picture of him from your wonderful desciption.  What a special caring person who touched so many lives. I am so sorry for your loss -you are in my thoughts and prayers. I knew you from McCaskey High- warmly, Amy Boothman Humphreville

January 27, 2024

Dear Chrissy,
Very sorry to hear of your loss and the long roadcyou have had o travel with Nate over several years. May your memories of him always be a blessig!    Doug Baker

January 25, 2024

The congregation at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester extends our Christian love and deepest sympathies to you, Chrissy, and to all Nate’s family and loved ones. What a testimony to faith, hope, and love, as you have walked this journey together. May Christ’s mercies and peace uplift you. Thanks be to God for Nate –

January 25, 2024

Dear Chrissy,
Nate had qualities that anyone would treasure if they understood the value. And it’s not everyday that you meet someone that embodies such joy and happiness despite his situation. One thing stands true and that his love will be remembered. Nate is flying high and while his spirit is soaring through the sky, we can all look forward to being guided by a friend who we loved dearly. God bless Nate.
The Everharts

January 25, 2024

My beautiful friend… my heart hurts for you. You and Nate share an exceptional love that will transcend this earth. Sending you love and healing light as you navigate this difficult loss. Fly high Nate..
Jennifer Hippensteel

January 24, 2024

The Avondale Presbyterian Church family is offering our prayers to Chrissy and Nate’s family and friends.  Thank you for sharing his journey with us and allowing us to pray for you all. We are praying God’s comfort and Peace for you all. 

January 24, 2024

Chrissy, Our Middle Octorara family is praying for God’s comfort and peace to be upon you and your family. 🙏
Dan Henry

January 24, 2024

It with sadness that I read of Nate’s passing. I knew Nate from Thaddeus Stevens college when I was a security guard there. Nate is now with the lord Jesus and enjoying his new body Free from pain and suffering. May the lord comfort your family in the days ahead and always.
Al groff

January 24, 2024

On behalf of the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Berwyn, we offer our prayers of gratitude for the gift of Nate’s life, of sorrow over the suffering he endured, and of hope for his union with Christ and our common hope in the resurrection. May he find comfort in the arms of his Savior, and peace from all that troubled him. And our prayers rise up for all who mourn him. May they find comfort.
Rev. Sarah Weisiger

January 24, 2024

Honey Brook Presbyterian Church sends its heartfelt sorrow for your and all the loved ones’ deep loss, Chrissy. Nate sounds like he was a heck of a guy and a bright light leaving us too soon. God’s love and blessings. Pastor Sam, on behalf of Session and congregation. 
Sam Massey

January 23, 2024

Joey and I send you our condolences Nate was a great guy, and we are sorry to hear about his passing. Praying continued peace and comfort 
Patrice D Fonseca Fonseca

January 23, 2024

Chrissy,
So sorry for your loss…keeping you in our hearts and prayers…
Gregg and Sandy Minnick

January 23, 2024

Our sincere condolences to you and the family. He fought a good fight now may he rest easy and pain free! Nate was a kind soul and I enjoyed talking with him at family gatherings.
Randy & Christine Ortlip

January 23, 2024

Dear Chrissy,
I read with sadness this latest Caring Bridge message. He is free from pain now, but you are without your beloved Nate. May God give you peace and strength to get through the coming days, weeks and months.
From the heart,
Jerri Anne Johnson

January 23, 2024

Dear Chrissy, Sue and Dan,
We are saddened to read of Nate’s passing, yet we know from your Caring Bridge posts that he was not well for quite some time.  The obituary thoughtfully captures the essence of who he was, and he is now resting in the arms of his savior, Jesus.  Some things in life just don’t seem fair; and admittedly, this is one of them.  A life struck down too soon in his prime.  Our condolences and hugs to you as you journey through life without him until you see him in Heaven.  We cover you in prayer!  Lew and Susan

Visitation
Saturday, May 04, 2024
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
High Fine Arts Center at Lancaster Mennonite School
2176 Lincoln Hwy E.
Lancaster, PA 17602
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Services
Saturday, May 04, 2024
11:00 AM
High Fine Arts Center at Lancaster Mennonite School
2176 Lincoln Hwy E
Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions

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