Paul "Prem" Nathenson's Obituary
Paul “Prem” Nathenson March 20, 1954-May 20, 2025
Paul “Prem” Nathenson, 71, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of family on
the evening of May 20 th . He is survived by his wife Nancy, children Abraham, Sophie,
and Lucas, and his sisters Lee Nathenson of Chicago, IL, Lynne Grau (Jim) of Madison
WI, and Gayle Clayton (Gary) of Weston, CT, along with many cousins across the U.S.
Prem was born in Chicago, IL to parents Miriam and Ken. Prem’s journey was unique,
not without challenges, and his experiences exemplified resilience and reinvention. He
attended Malcom X Junior College at no cost as part of Reverend Jessie Jackson’s
Operation Bread Basket. After graduation he left home and spent time in New Mexico
living in a yoga ashram, and California in a commune teaching yoga to children. He
discovered a deep sense of spirituality during this time which carried through his entire
life.
He attended nursing school at Washburn University in Topeka, KS. While working as a
CNA he met his wife Nancy, a respiratory therapist. They married and began raising
their children while Prem worked his way into hospital administration and discovered his
passion for triathlons. In 1993 he took advantage of a job opportunity in nursing
administration at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, NE. He continued
competing nationally in Triathlons across the country with family in tow.
In 2003 he suffered a seizure caused by a brain tumor. He underwent cancer treatment
that included brain surgery and radiation resulting in left sided paralysis. He underwent
rehabilitation at Madonna the hospital where he served as the Vice President of Patient
care and treated his recovery with rigor and determination. With the odds against him
he learned to walk again and function completely independently. When the tumor
reoccurred about a year later, he pursued alternative modalities such as meditation,
diet, exercise and other technologies and therapies. His cancer then went into remission
within 9 mos. for 21 years. During that time, he went back to school, earning a
certification in Traditional Naturopathy, followed by a Masters and Doctorate in Nursing.
In 2011 he started Simple Path Health and Wellness Clinic with his wife Nancy.
https://simplepathwellness.com/content/Journal-Star-Story.pdf
He was a valued member of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and held various
leadership roles for over 20 years. From 2009 to the present, he served on the Board of
Directors for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF
International), where he provided insights from his role as a health care professional but
also from his lived experience with a disability supporting CARF’s mission to bring high-
quality services to the person served.
In September of 2020 he relocated with Nancy and Lucas to Oregon, joining daughter
Sophie and son Abe where he focused on teaching on-line graduate nursing courses for
Clarkson College and Capella University.
Prem is remembered to have always lived life in the present moment with gratitude and
positivity. Nancy referred to him as her “Happy Buddha”. He never complained or
dwelled on his illness, his paralysis, or any challenge that came his way. With any set
back in his function his focus was not on what he couldn’t do but what he GOT to do
next. He laughed constantly, and humor ruled the Nathenson household. He leaves a
legacy of love, conquering self-doubt, and letting go of all things out of his control. He
touched countless lives with his energy, intuition, generosity, and wisdom. His family is
committed to honoring this legacy by relishing the silver linings, sticking together, and
infusing humor with anything and everything.
A Celebration of Life for Prem with family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 14 th
from 3pm-6pm at Pioneers Park Nature Center 3201 South Coddington, Lincoln, NE
68522. Please RSVP to [email protected]
The Nathenson’s home address: 17471 Harriet Ave., Oregon City, OR 97045
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations and memorials to The Disabled American
Veterans https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/donate-online-by-mail-or-by-phone/ , your
local Food Pantry or Humane Society.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?