Aaron L. Nathenson, M.D. Obituary (1939 - 2014)

. Nathenson, Aaron L., M.D., age 74, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Preceded in death by parents Perry and Rose, sister Shirley Mae Nadler and brother-in-law Bernard Nadler, and granddaughter Anna Isenstein. Survived by loving wife Judi, devoted children Linda (Joel), Jeffrey, and Pamela (Eyal) and adoring grandchildren Benjamin, Evan, Noah, Jacob, Amalia, Lydia, Stella, Rafaella, and Emmanuelle; brother Elmer (Marilyn); numerous loving nieces and nephews. Positive, smart, kind, hardworking, fun, and sporting an unquenchable zest for life, Aaron lived an exemplary life. Always a paragon of vigor, Aaron enjoyed downhill skiing, golfing, camping, basketball, tennis, fishing, softball, running, and fitness as a value, entering his first triathlon at the age of 72. Embracing each day as a new opportunity for progress, joy, and activity, he enjoyed all of these activities and volumes more with a wide and dear network of beloved family and friends. He patiently strung fishing lines, proudly cheered from the sidelines of the sporting events of his children, grandchildren and family friends, as well as his beloved Gophers (basketball), Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves. He enjoyed every concert put on by his grandchildren: violin, clarinet, guitar, piano, flute, choir, dance, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of all of their achievements, whereabouts, and aspirations. Aaron redefined “family medicine,” attending to the health needs of family, friends, fellow athletes, and of course his many patients. Second to his love of family, Dr. Nathenson practiced ophthalmology in Minneapolis for 40+ years, serving as Chief of Ophthalmology at Hennepin County Medical Center from 1988 to 2005, an institution that embodies the sort of values of a community hospital that he felt was a vital part of a caring community. Dr. Nathenson loved his profession, his patients, his colleagues, and never complained one day about going to work. On the contrary, his profession was a badge of pride and a joy to him every day. Dr. Nathenson was a proud graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School, firmly establishing him as a lifelong Gopher fan and season ticket holder at Williams Arena. In addition to his clinical position, he served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota. Prior to starting his ophthalmic career in Minneapolis, Dr. Nathenson served his country as a U.S. Army Major from 1969-1971, spending one year working as a physician at the 91st evacuation hospital in Chu Lai, Vietnam. Aaron will be dearly missed by family, friends, his community, and his patients but his legacy of promoting health, embracing happiness, and working hard will live on. His life and his great knowledge and many achievements can serve as a model for a life well lived and, as if leading by example was not enough, he offered the following wisdom: “whatever you do, do it well” and he lived that motto. He would be pleased to know that his legacy lives on in word and deed. Funeral services 12 NOON, FRIDAY, August 15th, at BETH EL SYNAGOGUE, 5225 Barry St. W, St. Louis Park, MN. Contributions may be made to the Anna Isenstein Teacher’s Aide Appreciation Fund, West End Synagogue, 3810 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205, Aaron Nathenson Ophthalmology Resident Teaching Fund, Hennepin Health Foundation, c/o Ophthalmology Resident Education, 701 Park Avenue, LSB 3, Minneapolis MN 55415 or the donor’s favorite charity. SHIVA 7 p.m. Sunday at Beth El Synagogue.