Beloved Clara City Resident Natasha Mae Fester Dies at 32

Natasha Mae Fester passed away on March 13, 2024, at the age of 33. She was a dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital, which she joined in November 2023. Her death came tragically soon after she fulfilled her lifelong dream by earning her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree from the University of North Dakota in August 2023. In her brief but effective career, she showed unwavering commitment to mental healthcare. Natasha’s life centered on both her professional achievements and her family – her husband Matthew Fester, whom she married in 2012, and their four children: Mason, Marshel, Maxton, and MaKinlee.

Community Mourns Loss of Rising Healthcare Professional

Natasha Mae Fester’s death has deeply affected the Grove City community, where she touched countless lives as a mental health professional. She earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree in August 2023 and quickly made meaningful contributions at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital. Her colleagues admired her exceptional way of providing empathetic care and comfort to patients who faced mental health challenges.

Natasha’s brief time at CentraCare showed her steadfast dedication to her patients’ well-being. She took part in mental health awareness initiatives that helped reduce stigma and supported people who felt isolated in their struggles. Her approach blended clinical expertise with genuine compassion, making her a trusted healthcare provider in the community.

Fellow healthcare professional Valarie Shaw spoke of her fondly: “You were the best nurse, and I will miss seeing you volunteering for the American Heart Association blood drive”. Natasha’s commitment went beyond her regular duties as she regularly volunteered for community health initiatives and support programs.

Grove City’s community has shown remarkable support through this loss. Residents have come together at local gatherings and memorial services to grieve and remember. Her husband Matthew Fester captured many people’s feelings when he said, “Natasha was the light of our lives”.

CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital’s staff remembers her as someone who “truly poured her heart and soul into caring for others and looked forward to going to work each day”. Her role as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner involved detailed mental health treatment, preventive services, and consultation. She worked independently while collaborating well with other mental health professionals.

The community’s grief has turned into action through various support initiatives. A GoFundMe campaign now honors her memory and helps support her family during this difficult time.

Family Remembers Dedicated Mother of Four

Natasha Mae Fester’s steadfast dedication to her family defined her life. She married Matthew Fester on July 7, 2012, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar, which started their beautiful experience together. They made their home in Atwater for nine years before moving to Grove City in 2019.

Natasha devoted herself to raising her four children: Mason (12), Marshel (8), Maxton (5), and MaKinlee (3). She showed her love by attending their activities – from sports events to go-kart racing adventures. People remembered her as their “loudest cheerleader” who always gave warm hugs.

She managed to keep deep connections with her extended family. Her special relationship with her father showed through his nickname for her – “Harold”. Many noticed how she had her father “wrapped around her finger”.

She shaped her children’s character through more than just being present. Her actions and guidance helped her children develop kindness and resilience. Their home became a place filled with love and support, where family gatherings created lasting memories.

Despite her busy schedule, Natasha always found time for her loved ones. She balanced her work life with her roles as a mother and wife. Each day brought new enthusiasm as she supported her children’s activities and planned family events.

Her memory lives on through her family: husband Matthew; children Mason, Marshel, Maxton, and MaKinlee, all living in Grove City; parents Jeff and Lisa Adkins; and brother Trenton Adkins with his family. The community’s support after her passing on March 13, 2024, shows how deeply she affected everyone around her.

Educational Journey Inspires Future Nurses

Natasha built her nursing career over a decade, starting at Ridgewater College where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree. She then advanced her studies at Rasmussen College in St. Cloud to get her Registered Nurse (RN) certification. Her passion for learning drove her to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Mankato State University.

She recognized the growing demand for mental health professionals and made a pivotal decision to focus on psychiatric care. Her steadfast dedication to academics helped her reach a major milestone – she earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree from the University of North Dakota in August 2023.

Natasha’s academic excellence stood out consistently. Her deep understanding of medical procedures and natural ability to connect with patients made her different from others. Her innovative patient care approaches earned her several awards for nursing excellence.

At C.A.R.E., Natasha used her growing expertise to enhance healthcare delivery systems as an administrator. She became a role model in the healthcare community, and her commitment to excellence motivated many aspiring nurses. Yes, it is her academic achievements that proved her steadfast dedication to improving patient care standards.

Her career path showed careful progression through nursing specialties. She started as an LPN and built her expertise step by step until she ended up achieving her goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This methodical approach highlighted her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Future generations of healthcare professionals continue to draw inspiration from Natasha’s educational legacy. She showed how to excel in patient care while pursuing advanced degrees, setting an example in the nursing profession. Her experience serves as a roadmap for aspiring nurses, proving that determination and continuous learning lead to meaningful healthcare contributions.

Conclusion

Natasha Mae Fester’s short but meaningful life created waves of positive change across the Clara City community. Her remarkable experience from an LPN to a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner showed her steadfast dedication to healthcare excellence. She balanced her professional achievements with devoted motherhood to four children, which revealed her exceptional strength and determination.

Without doubt, Natasha’s influence reached way beyond her professional accomplishments. She brought comfort to countless patients at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital, while her volunteer work deepened the community’s bonds. Her father’s affectionate nickname “Harold” and her role as her children’s “loudest cheerleader” showed the depth of her relationships.

A rising star in healthcare who championed mental health awareness and patient care is now gone. Her educational experience at the University of North Dakota serves as an inspiration to future healthcare professionals. Her legacy continues through the countless lives she touched – as a nurse, mother, wife, daughter, and community member.

Natasha Mae Fester’s story shows how one person’s dedication creates lasting positive change. Her steadfast dedication to mental healthcare, family values, and professional excellence inspires those who knew her. Her effect endures through the lives she touched and the standards of care she championed.