Obituary of Colonel Nathan R. Wisser

Wisser, Colonel Nathan "Nat" R. of Prior Lake, MN, and Estero, FL passed on July 21, 2016 at the age of 98. Nat was born September 15, 1917 in New York City. Nat attended Erasmus Hall High School and obtained a BA degree from City University of New York and a master's degree from Baylor University, TX. Nat enlisted in the army in 1942 and was an officer in the Medical Field Service Corps, serving in both World War II and the Korean War. During Nat's military career he served overseas in the Philippines, Germany and Korea and stateside in New York, Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, and Minnesota. Nat received numerous military honors including several army commendation medals and a bronze star. Nat retired from the army after 26 years at the rank of colonel. After his military career Nat was a founder and a top administrator at Normandale Community College from 1968 until 1974. He was instrumental in establishing the dental hygiene and nursing programs. Nat continued his career as the Vice President of Personnel at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, and upon his retirement from that institution, worked as a hospital consultant and an advisor for TWA. Nat married the love of his life Harriet Lee in New York City on February 20, 1944 and had a loving and successful marriage for over 72 years. During their marriage they had four sons who enjoyed growing up as army brats and living all over the world. After being a star in baseball, track and boxing as a youth, Nat became an avid tennis player and golfer and won numerous awards in both sports. He enjoyed being able to pursue these sports year around with homes in Minnesota and Florida and played tennis and golf weekly into his mid 90's. He and Harri always dreamed of having a home on the water and realized it in 1991 when they moved from Bloomington to their lake home on Prior Lake. It was with much regret that they moved from Prior Lake to their final home at Friendship Village in Bloomington. Nat was extremely generous. He had a foundation that donated to many organizations and charities. The University of Minnesota Medical School was a significant beneficiary as well. To mourn his passing and celebrate his life, Nat leaves his wife Harri and his sons Jon (Eva), Jim (Nancy), Glenn, and Tim (Mary). Nat is also survived by his six grandchildren, Adina, Robin, Landon, Steven, Michael, and Rachel and four great grandchildren. Nat's brothers Jack and Bernard also survive him and share in the family's loss. He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Dorothy and his sister Eleanor. A private interment for the family will be conducted at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in his name to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements made by the Cremation Society of Minnesota. The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the caregivers at Friendship Village and the hospice and medical teams from Health Partners. Your assistance and kindness provided great comfort.