Eldore Bentley Nash

Nash, Eldore Bentley M.D.

Eldore Bentley Nash M.D. (age 96) peacefully passed away on July 8, 2023, with his son and daughter at his bedside. Known by family and friends as kind, faithful, curious and accomplished, Eldore was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Lois. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Nash (Catherine Gray) and his son, Dr. Michael Nash (Robin) ; grandchildren Ryan Nash and Brianna Leary (Mel); great grandchildren Mikah and Kellen Leary, who appropriately called him Grandpa the Great.

Born in Madison, MN to J. Edwin “Eddie” and Bertha  (Slettedahl) Nash,  Eldore grew up in Browns Valley.  After graduation from high school at Augustana Academy, a distinguished boarding school in Canton, South Dakota,  Eldore, at age 17, joined the United States Navy to serve during WWII.

Upon completing military service, Eldore began a study of medicine at the University of Minnesota. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1953.  Eldore’s medical practice spanned over 30 years and included an internship in Phoenix, Arizona, and nearly two decades in general practice in Eden Valley, MN and the Twin Cities at the Crystal Medical Clinic. In 1971, after returning to the U of M for an anesthesiology residency, he joined the anesthesiology staff at North Memorial Hospital in Minneapolis.  He retired in 1986.

It was 1951 when Eldore married Lois Ehlenz.  They enjoyed nearly 63 years of marriage before Lois’ death in 2014.   While raising their family, they loved creating comfortable homes including a new home that they helped design in Golden Valley.  They also shared inviting Wisconsin lake homes, Arizona snowbird homes and now, their forever heavenly home.

Eldore’s strong Christian faith was an ever present source of strength and comfort in his life, especially as his years advanced.  In life he embodied his Lord’s command to love God and love neighbor.  He greatly appreciated the love and support he received from his longtime faith community at Westwood Lutheran Church.

Eldore had a lifelong love of travel.  He and his family enjoyed camping, skiing and cross country road trips. Eldore and Lois adventured to many places around the globe.  And after Lois’ death, Eldore loved exploring the United States on organized bus tours.

Life offered Eldore unceasing opportunities to test his prowess as a problem solver and handyman.  Whether finishing  a basement,  inventing gadgets to tackle a problem around the house,  or mending everything from skinned knees to his child’s broken heart – Eldore will forever be remembered for his ability to fix just about anything.

Eldore’s many civic and professional activities include the following: Chief of Staff at North Memorial; President of the Minnesota Society of Anesthesiologists; Delegate to the National Society of Anesthesiologists.  In 1999, as members of the University Presidents Club of the Minnesota Medical Foundation, Eldore and Lois endowed a scholarship fund to support the needs of medical students at the University of MN.  Other volunteer activities included the church council of Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley, volunteering at PRISM, and Habitat for Humanity.   He was a longtime member of Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park.

Funeral Services will be held  at 12:00 PM on Friday, July 21, 2023 at Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Rd S, St Louis Park.   Luncheon to follow.   A private family internment will take place at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Memorials may be made to the Eldore and Lois Nash Endowed Scholarship  (#20595) at the University of Minnesota Foundation https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=20595 or to Westwood Lutheran Church.