Jill Marie Herring Nachtman

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jill Marie Herring Nachtman. Jill passed away suddenly at her home in San Francisco, California, on September 28, 2026. She was born in Silvis, Illinois, on October 21, 1980, to Julie and James Herring. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Legacy Center at Murdoch-Linwood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5 – 8pm. Remarks by the family will begin at 5:30pm in the Legacy Center.

Jill lived life with an adventurous spirit, a passion for travel, and a deep-rooted desire to help the less fortunate. She was afforded the opportunity to see much of the world and diligently applied her world view and compassion in her children. Her light has left us much too soon and she will be greatly missed.

Jill grew up in Iowa, where she graduated a semester early from Bettendorf High School in December of 1997. Eager to start her adventure, she moved to Iowa City following her high school graduation. She pursued studies at Kirkwood Community College while enjoying the college social life and a part-time job at The Wedge Pizzeria. It was during her time in Iowa City where she met Matt Nachtman. After short stints living and working in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, and Waterloo, Iowa, she joined Matt in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jill and Matt were married on September 4, 2004.

After a few years of marriage, the couple took their life abroad, moving to Zurich, Switzerland. Following a 2-year work assignment and Europe exploration, the couple then moved to the upper east side of Manhattan. During their time in New York City, their family expanded with the addition of their son Maximus (2009) and daughter Layla (2011). Since 2011, the family has resided in San Francisco, California. Jill loved watching Max in school drama productions and attending Layla’s sporting events. She was always there for her children with a ride to school, hugs, snacks, and “I love you” affirmations. Jill always said having children was her greatest dream and accomplishment.

While parenting (and co-parenting with Matt since 2019) occupied most of her time, Jill’s desire to help others never stopped. She was active in numerous volunteer organizations including Glide, Best Buddies, Urban Angels SF, Hamilton Families, Toys for Tots, SFSmiles, and Best Buddies. Jill cherished packing up holiday leftovers with the kids and delivering meals to people in need.

More recently, Jill completed an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification course which was another demonstration of Jill’s everlasting desire to help others - she was always the first to lend a hand to a neighbor in need. Jill led a life dedicated to helping others and worked on instilling that passion in her children. Her helpful nature will be missed by all who knew her and numerous people who benefited from her volunteer efforts. In her free time Jill’s favorite hobbies included travel, disc golf and a good game of pool.

Jill is survived by her parents (Julie and James), brother (Jack), children (Max and Layla) in addition to cherished nieces and nephews of the extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to HamiltonFamilies.org