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Hodroff-Epstein Memorial
In memory of Aaron L. Nathenson, M.D., 10/10/1939 - 08/11/2014
Aaron L. Nathenson, 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.
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, 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.
He was Ben & Esther Davis from Duluth's son in law.
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