Neil and I are very sorry for your loss. Maureen, you and your family will be in our thoughts during this difficult time. 
Neil and Becky (Reiber) Cortus

We are here to today to celebrate the Life of 
John Anthony Nash.

So much can be said about my dad. When you live for 84+ years, that happens. It would be easy to think of him as he was the last few years of his life, but that would be a dis-service to the full life that he lived. He was a son, a brother, a sailor, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend. He was born on a farm in Cedar Lake township in southern Minnesota, the 4th of seven children born to Mike and Ester Nash. To hear dad say it, they were quite the clan. Grandpa was a no-nonsense guy and taught his kids well and kept his children busy between school and their chores on the farm. Somehow, Thou, dad and his siblings did manage to get into a little mischief along the way (must have been that Irish blood). Yeah, the Nash's got to be known far and wide south of the river. 
Soon after high school he joined the Navy where he spent 4 years in the Philippines. He learned a trade and played a little baseball. After returning home from active duty in 1956, he caught the eye of a young gal, Rosella Solheid. Sally, (as she was known) would turn out to be the love of his life. They were a match made in heaven. He loved and adored her till the end, nearly 62 years.  Well, they soon got married and moved around for the first few years, finally settling down in Coon Rapids in 1960. They bought a house and together they would raise a family of 5 kids (and a dog) and turn that house into a home. They lived in that home for nearly 45 years. They were blessed with 5 grandchildren and 2 step grand kids.  
For me personally, I will remember him as a God-fearing, loving, family man with a zest and zeal for life and the heart the size of Texas. He loved the outdoors, enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a huge sports fan and enjoyed teaching and coaching others. Baseball was his favorite. He enjoyed teaching the finer details of the game.  He was loving, committed and passionate. A blue-collar guy, with a tremendous drive and work ethic.  When he did something, he was all in. It was 100% or nothing. Whether it was teaching his kids life lessons, teaching us the difference between right and wrong, helping friends and neighbors, re-modeling the house, mowing his yardhe was all in, 100%. 
My dad was a story teller. He sure knew how to spin a yarn, recite a tale or tell joke, and no one delivered a better punch line. He had a way with words that made you feel like you were there. Detailed and precise, he could make a root canal sound exciting & interesting. He was a man who meant what he said and said what he felt. If you didn't want the truth, don't ask him the question. Tough love, yeah, sure, there was some of that. But the key word there is love. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his kids or family. Yeah, he was a great dad.
So, as we gather here today, we all have our own memories that stand out and come to mind when you think of him.to this I say, cherish them, no one can take those from you. Let yourself smile and enjoy them.  
As kids growing up, he taught us how to throw a baseball, how to ride a bike, how to swim, how to skate. He taught us how to use a hammer, a screwdriver and a saw. He taught us how to drive. He also thought us the difference between right and wrong, the importance of honesty, loyalty and integrity, the value of a dollar, the value of hard work and earning your place in this world. He taught us the importance of family and friends.  
As a young child, I always thought my dad could fix anythingMy dad was such a handyman. He never threw anything away, he was always tinkering with things out in the garage. He had this amazing imagination. Seemingly making something out of nothing. In my teenage years, he was always willing to share his wisdom, knowledge and life experiences with me (whether I wanted them or not), but like most teens I didn't think I needed it, I thought I already knew everything I needed to know.  Years later, as an adult, I found myself on many occasions saying damn, the old man was right. Yeah, he was a great dad.
 One thing he cherished was spending time with the grand kids whenever he could. Babysitting, family get togethers, holidays, attending their activities and sporting events, their soccer games, hockey games, baseball games. Sitting thru hours of dance recitals, he was always present and loved it. They were his familythat's just what he did. Yeah, he was a great grandpa.
So, as we prepare to say goodbye and we think back on our memories of him, think of him as he was then, energized and full of life, quick with a joke or a little antidoteAnd just know, that he's up there looking down on us, with that twinkle in his eye, and that crooked Irish smile on his face and quoting his favorite line I never felt better and had less. 
Well today, we are the ones who have less. The Lord's gain is our loss. 
You'll Never be forgotten, and you will always be remembered. 
God bless you John Nash, you'll always be my hero. 

Love foreverMaureen, Mark, Kathy, John & Thomas

So sorry Sally to hear of the loss of John. It has been many years since I had visited with you however I remember the years back in New Prague in our High School days. Also in Coon Rapids when you and John were raising your children and also our many get together's with our family's I remember your Wedding Day and was able to be a part of your wedding 59 years ago. My condolences to you Sally and the family for your loss. God Be with you at this time.    Blessings to all.  Emily A. Trenda Ledger

Godspeed, Mr John Nash - may your family be blessed with peace and a lifetime of sweet memories.

May the good Lord wrap his arms around you John.

I will miss you daddy!.. you will always be my Hero. You fought this Alzheimers battle with strength, courage & Dignity until the very end! You are now with your Lord, mom, dad & brother Bob. I love you!!

So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you ...

My thoughts are with you during this trying time. I know you loved your father very much. My prayer are with you during this time.

Sally & Family
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Surround yourselves with photos; keep the memories fresh. May he be blessed with eternal love, peace & comfort. 
Thoughts & prayers to you all.
John & Bob, Rest in Peace, Brothers

Maureen so sorry for your loss.  I loved the pictures you would post of you and your dad. Many prayers to you and your family.

OBITUARY

John A. Nash

9 June, 1933 – 3 February, 2018

Gearhart Funeral Home

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