Nathan Capper

The beautiful Nathan Henry Capper left this life unexpectedly on December 3, 2024. Nate lived and died on his own terms. While we are heartbroken, we forgive him and will always remember him with massive love.

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, December 30, 1967, to Heidi Schlosser and the late John Capper, Nate was a native wolverine and late Christmas present to big sister Rachel.

Nate was destined to become the adventurous, adaptable man he was in part due to multiple moves during his formative years. The family’s addresses included Ann Arbor, MI, Craftsbury and Norwich, VT, Crofton, MD (two different times) and across the pond both in Hanau and Heidelburg, Germany. Ultimately, they landed back in Manistee, his father’s hometown, where Nate played football, was an award-winning yearbook photographer, excellent student, budding musician and occasional rascal. After high school, Nate went on to study at Albion College and Northern Michigan University, ultimately planting his roots in the Traverse City area in the early 90’s.

Nate’s family are all so fortunate to have been gifted the beautiful and legendary Carriage House in Onekama, which has housed many heartfelt gatherings, voices lifted in song and inspired family meals. Over its 50 years, weddings, births and the passing of loved ones were celebrated here. While it did represent some stress for him, the Carriage House was an enormous source of love and pride for Nathan, as were those who shared in its history.

Nate’s strongest role was that of being a father. Each of his children clearly understood the breadth of his affection and love for them. He supported them as the capable individuals they are, while taking great care to regard each one’s uniqueness. He cherished his family so very much. A thoughtful husband, he was so present; his heart and love were so big and boundless. Nearly 25 years of marriage resulted in a deep love and lasting respect for one another, and a shared commitment to their family.

Nate was a consummate artist, influenced strongly by his artist grandparents, on the Schlosser side, he could sketch, paint, create and design in a very intuitive way. It was plain to see Nate’s unique stamp on things which made them stand out from the mundane. Nate was a highly skilled artisan, and gravitated toward sculpture, metalsmithing and jewelry making. His work was enjoyed by many, over the years, and displayed at a multitude of art fairs and festivals. These talents would lend themselves to his career as a skilled carpenter. Once commissioned to create and install an enclosed tropical lagoon escape, he literally moved boulders and created a multi-level waterfall, in a way that only he could.

Early influences from the Capper side included appreciating and living in the natural world, not just on it. Music was his ever-present background and continued to be Nate’s love language. So gorgeous and natural was his tenor voice, people would always stop to listen. Nate penned many songs, performed in many settings during High School and College and continued to sing and play guitar throughout his life. Nate was the frontman for the 90’s TC band “The Cool Mint Nipples” and was known for his stage dives. He sang in the Community chorus in Benzie and at the Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. Without a doubt, his portrayal of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, at NMU, was among the best witnessed at the College level. Pitch perfect, sincere, viscerally played and received, his talent was undeniable.

Nate loved his Country and valued the study of its history. Injustice, inequity and waste upset him deeply. He would go toe to toe with anyone to defend any marginalized person or people. He didn’t just speak it, he lived it and did so without expectation of reward or recognition. He despised the notion of a human being categorized or put into a box. When you had his ear, you could count on his undivided attention and unwavering support – whatever your need.

Nate was a lover of people. He had a gift of drawing people out and helping them feel seen and heard, treasured and loved. His strong love was not limited to his family – it was a bridge, a connector. Nate was a lamplighter. We are hopeful that all sparks he helped to ignite will continue to shine brightly in his honor and provide a loving and lighted path for those in need. To all who loved him, know you were deeply loved. One cannot put an expiration date on love. Nate’s love is a gem to hold in your heart, where it lives on, grows and remains there to be carried forward.

Nate is survived by his wife, Leah Spaulding Capper, of Traverse City; sons Jesse (Jen) Capper, of St. Augustine, FL, Levi (Ariana) Capper, of Brooklyn, NY, Jack Capper, of Traverse City; daughter Gwen Capper, of Traverse City; Stepson Nigel Klein, of Manistee, Mi; his adored grandchildren, Blaine, Cyrus and Zora Capper and Bennett Klein; mother Heidi and stepfather Ralph Yanko, of Louisburg, NC; sister Rachel Capper (Rick) Lyons, of Lexington, KY; uncle Jon (Karen) Schlosser, of Cincinnati, OH; former wife Amy Vanderstar; mother in law Kathryn Henschell; sisters in law Mimi (Larry) Kinney and Molly (Rob) Ellis; brothers in law Steve Spaulding and Marty Spaulding; Stepbrother in law, Mark (Sandy) Henschell; Stepsister in law, Lori (Charlie ) Kolbusz; beloved cousins, John (Lisa), Mark (Karen), Kathryn (Susan), Jean, Cappy (Martha) and Lizanne (Malcomb); nieces Lauren, Heather, Emily, and Cora, Amanda, McKenna, Amelia, Gracie and Lily; nephews, Zach, Gus, Fisher, Henry, Simeon, Erich, Nick, Matthew, Caleb, Trenton and Grant.

He was proceeded in death by his father, John Capper; father in law, Don Henschell; grandparents Thelma and Holland Capper; grandparents Jane and Henry Schlosser; aunts Liz Capper, Susanna Edgar, and Mary Stewart; uncles Neal Edgar, Holland “Cap” Capper, Ralph Stewart and Wally Heinichen; and niece Maris Spaulding.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City. The family will receive guests beginning at 1:00 pm with the service to follow at 2:00 pm.

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/live/u2Cmdh4iEhc