Nathan A Rolens

Nathan Alan Rolens, a decorated soldier, peacefully passed away on July 20, 2023, at age 42 after battling cancer, where he was surrounded by his loving family and medical team at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.

Nate was born on September 30, 1980, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Linda Rogers Harwell and Larry Kevin Rolens. After a three-year stint in Singapore, the Rolens family settled in Katy, TX, where they raised Nate and his two siblings. After graduation from James E. Taylor High School, Nate earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University before answering his country’s call to service and enlisting with the United States Army as Alpha Company’s Front Line Supervisor & Vehicle Convoy Commander of the 1-21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade serving the “Gimlets” of the US Army’s 25th Infantry Division.

Sgt. Rolens was awarded the Bronze Star Medal of Valor on April 20th & 21st of 2008 for “Exceptionally meritorious achievement during operations against enemy insurgents in Sadr City, Iraq.” Sgt. Rolens would later be awarded America’s oldest combat medal, the Purple Heart, for events on the morning of July 8, 2008, when the Stryker vehicle he commanded was struck by an IED. The explosion caused a “racquetball-sized hole” in his right triceps and a concussion, leading to treatment at Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX and rigorous physical therapy. Sgt. Rolens worked for three grueling months to fully recover so he could return to the Army.

After an honorable discharge, Nate returned to Texas to work with his childhood and longtime best friend, PJ Malsbary, at Ram Alloys where many memories were created.

Nate will be remembered as a patriot and man of honor with integrity. His passion runs so deep the word “patriot” was emblazoned on his left triceps. Nate was a soldier anyone would want in their foxhole. A loyal and dependable friend who you could always count on for a good time but also there for a shoulder to cry. A loving and caring brother who was a protector and a leader. An uncle who strived to put smiles on his nieces' faces. A proud son who strived to honor his parents. Gone too soon but heaven is getting a good one.

He is survived by his mother, Linda and her husband David Harwell of Fulshear, TX; father Kevin and his wife Suzanne of The Woodlands, TX; his brother Ben Rolens and wife Caitlin, along with four nieces Cooper, Logan, Reece and Ryan, of Fulshear TX; brother Brian Rolens and wife Lisa, along with nieces Riley and Sadie Kate of Celina, TX; and brother James Rolens of The Woodlands, TX.

Nathan Alan Rolens will be laid to rest with full military honors. A celebration of Nate’s life will take place on Friday July 28, 2023 at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am with the celebration starting at 11:30 am. Full military honors at The Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX. A reception following the celebration will begin at 1:15 pm.

Pallbearers are Ben Rolens, Brian Rolens, James Rolens, PJ Malsbary, Dustin Duhon, Zach Zotter, Stephen Elkins and Patrick Bierschwale.

In lieu of flowers, the Rolens family is encouraging donations in the form of tributes on behalf of Nate via the Camp Hope chapter of the PTSD Foundation of America. More information can be found at https://ptsdusa.org/give-help/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://ptsdusa.org/give-help/ (Click “Make a Tribute” in green in middle of page). For general information https://ptsdusa.org/