Bernard Eugene Natalle

Bernard Eugene Natalle, known as “Nick” to family and friends, passed away on February 16, 2026, from complications of atrial fibrillation and esophageal dysphagia, at the Lake Nona VA Medical Center in Orlando, Florida. He enjoyed 96 years of a life that was honest, moral, spiritual, and responsible to others. His sense of humor sustained him along with his curiosity and willingness to take advantage of opportunities that created a fulfilling and meaningful career and family life.

Nick was born on February 27, 1930, on a farm near Yale, Iowa, the son of Emil Natalle and Etta Benner and brother of Bud, Jo, Merna, and Beverly. He grew up working with his family on the Honshelt Farm, fishing, hunting, attending the Shiloh Christian Church, and going to a one-room schoolhouse, Lincoln #4, from first through eighth grade. He wrote poems, kept a WWII scrapbook, sang in church, played baseball and billiards, and learned to plow, plant, harvest, milk, and tend the garden. Early on he wanted to fly planes and see the world, and in 1949 joined the Air Force. Nick always identified himself as an Iowa farm boy who made good as an Air Force sergeant.

From August 8, 1949, until retirement on July 4, 1972, Nick rose from Private 1st Class to Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force and served as a mechanic, crew chief, dock chief, aircraft inspector, line chief, and NCOIC among many duties that took him from Panama to California to Thule, Greenland, to the Philippines, and a tour of duty in Phù Cát, RVN, during the Vietnam War in 1969-70. He particularly enjoyed his early years in the 1950s flying all over the Caribbean and Central and South America. He flew on twenty different kinds of aircraft, criss-crossed four continents, flew over the North Pole, and went as far south as Puerto Montt, Chile. During his 23-year USAF career, Nick earned a number of awards including the Meritorious Service Award and two Air Force Commendation Awards that recognized his service in support of the Vietnam War.

Nick and his AF roommate at Bolling Field, Bob Knight, dated and married cousins. Nick and Anna Elizabeth Duffin were married on August 1, 1954, in Washington, DC, and enjoyed a 60-year marriage until Ann passed away in 2014. Together with their five children, they lived a life of travel and adventure visiting national parks, state capitals, and points of interest all over the United States until they retired to central Florida in 1972, living in Fern Park, Anna Maria Island, Zellwood, and Oviedo. During the next 30 years, they traveled to Europe several times and enjoyed a number of big events such as the Rose Bowl Parade, Pope John Paul II’s Angelus Address from the Vatican window, and the Andalusian Fair in Seville, Spain.

Nick was a member of the First Methodist Church of Apopka, Florida, and enjoyed his Sunday School class, supporting the Tiny Tots program, and engaging in Bible study. He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Air Force Sergeants Association, and a charter member of the National WWII Museum in honor of his brother Bud, a WWII veteran, POW, and significant influence on Nick’s life. He also enjoyed following the PGA, listening to country music, playing cards, watching comedy on television, working in the yard, cultivating flowers, and chatting on the phone to his family.

Preceding Nick in death was his wife Ann. Survivors include: his children Linda Kochanowski (Jim), Lou Ann Rimel (John), Jody Natalle (Larry Hyjek), Mary Woods (Mark), and Jon Natalle; grandchildren Todd Noē (Margie), John Rimel (Melanie Mayhew), and Brian Rimel; great-grandchildren Hannah and Jack Rimel; and sister Beverly Bland. Nick was a resident of The Tremont in Oveido, FL, and left behind many friends, including his favorite tablemates Jim, Ross, Ray, Rita, and Arthur, his neighbors June and Peggy, and his caretaker Naomi.

Over the course of a decade, Nick composed an autobiography and included a final prayer that reads in part:

I pray that you, Lord, will keep your hand on my loved ones left behind.

May they understand that you are the way, the truth, and the life.

And no one comes to the Father but by and through your saving grace. 

May all of my family be reunited some day.

His faith in God is reflected in a favorite Bible passage, 2 Tim. 3:15: And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Nick enjoyed a long and fruitful life. He will be remembered with love and admiration.

In lieu of flowers, send any donations to American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24, please add "General Funds" in memo. Payment can be sent to 2000 75th St W, Bradenton, FL 34209. Any questions feel free to reach out to (941-794-3489)