Nathan Carter Judson

Nathan is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Christina Judson (nee Schnierle); loving children, Wendy Matzen (Thomas), Nathan Judson (Kami), and Kimberly Hays (Glen); loving sister, Karen Judson; seven grandchildren; and seven great- grandchildren.

Nathan is preceded in death by brother, Wilfred Judson; and sisters, Faith Judson (Schweiss) and Alice Judson.

Nathan graduated Valedictorian from Ypsilanti High School Class of 1950. He then earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of Michigan in 1954. He was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Nathan went on to receive his Masters of Music in Wind Instruments from the University of Michigan in 1957. During his college years Nathan served in the US Army Band in Fort Huachuca, AZ from 1954-1956.

Nathan spent the majority of his life teaching and inspired many students throughout the years at Goodrich High School, Trenton High School, Grosse Pointe North High School, and Parcells Middle School. He held various office positions in Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 12 and District 16, including President, various offices in State MSBOA, including President from 1969-1971. Nathan received the MSBOA Band Teacher of the Year Award in 1970 and the MSBOA Orchestra Teacher of the Year Award in 1978. During his career, Nathan toured Europe as Assistant Conductor with Musical Youth International Band in 1967. He also toured Mexico as Conductor with Musical Youth International in Band in 1968, and the returned to Europe in 1984 and toured as Conductor to Europe with Blue Lake Fine Arts International Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Nathan was a man of strong faith and a pivotal part of First English Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe Woods. He frequently conducted musical ensembles and choirs during services and special events. He also served the church in various capacities including President of the Church Council.

In addition to his passion for music, Nathan also enjoyed golfing, and doing carpentry work with good friend Russell Reed. He also enjoyed flying, and became a licensed pilot.

A Memorial Visitation for Nathan will be held Friday, November 24th, 2023 from 5PM - 8PM at First English Lutheran Church (800 Vernier Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236). A Funeral Service will be held November 25th, 2023 at 11AM following a memorial gathering starting at 10AM at First English Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First English Lutheran Church Organ fund, or to the First English Lutheran Church Food Pantry Fund, or to the Grosse Pointe North Band & Orchestra Nathan Judson Scholarship Fund. Checks made payable to Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education, ATTN: Jenna Torrento GPFPE 20601 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. Please put in memo “GPN Band & Orchestra, Nathan Judson”.