Natalie Volz

Natalie Jo Volz, 49, of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on September 10, 2026, surrounded by her immediate family. A memorial service for Natalie will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, at Living Word Lutheran Church, 7901 S. Meredith Ave., Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The family will be present beginning at 9:30 a.m. to greet friends and family before the service. A celebration of life will also be held in Denver, the city Natalie called home and where she built a close community and many lasting friendships. Details will be announced soon. Memorial donations made to the family in Natalie’s memory will be forwarded to the Sanford Center for Pediatric Research and the Avera Research Institute, supporting work dedicated to improving the health and lives of children.

Natalie was born on January 25, 1977, in Freeman, South Dakota, and grew up in Parker, South Dakota. Throughout her school years, she excelled both academically and athletically, particularly as a distance runner in track. She graduated from Parker High School in 1995 as class valedictorian.

Her commitment to learning continued throughout her life. Natalie earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, where she also ran cross country. She later earned a master’s degree in Exercise Science from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, followed by a second master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Regis University in Denver.

Natalie’s work reflected both her passion for health and wellness and her desire to help others. She spent several years in medical research, working independently and at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She later worked as a nanny for several families in the Denver area, forming close bonds that continued long after the children were in her care. Eventually, Natalie established Thrive Restorative Exercise, where she worked with seniors to help them maintain their strength, mobility, independence, and overall well-being.

Natalie embraced an active lifestyle throughout her life. An avid runner, she completed three marathons, including the 2007 Boston Marathon, where she finished in the top third of women in her age group. Her love of the outdoors extended well beyond running. She spent much of her free time in the Rocky Mountains, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and paddleboarding.

As much as Natalie accomplished throughout her life, those who knew her will remember her most for the kindness and care she gave so freely to others.

Natalie was remarkably selfless, and many of her friends described her as one of the best listeners they had ever known. She was genuinely interested in others, giving them her full attention with patience, compassion, and without judgment. She had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued, and helping others came naturally to her.

Natalie carried that same strength throughout her illness. She fought hard for more time with the people she loved and the life she had built, never losing her determination to keep going.

Losing Natalie leaves an absence that is difficult to put into words, and there will always be a wish for more time with her. There is comfort in knowing she has gone home to be with the Lord. The way Natalie lived gives those who knew her something lasting to carry forward: listen closely, give generously of yourself, and cherish the time you have with the people who matter most. We could all live and love a little more like Natalie did.

Natalie is survived by her parents, Joe and Betty Volz; her brother, Travis Volz, and his wife, Crystal; and her niece, Stella “Shae” Volz, along with many extended family members and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing her.