Charles A. Nester

Passed 09/11/2021

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Obituary For Charles A. Nester

Charles A. Nester, age 73, of St. Louis, MO, died on September 11, 2021, from a sudden heart attack. He was the adoring husband and best friend of JoAnn Nester. Married for 45 years, Charles’ love for JoAnn provided joy, adventure, and three grateful children, Katie, Carl, and Jana Nester. A devoted father and compassionate soul, his impact was felt on every level of the St. Louis community. As a medical doctor, he brought purpose to his work in the empathy and care of his patients. As a politically active member of the community, his thoughtful leadership encouraged urgency and action to the many matters he passionately believed in. Even his simple walks around the neighborhood were a chance for his gregarious nature to delight any stranger willing to look at pictures of his dog. Although his kind and generous heart did not hold up to the rigor of his final bike ride, his spirit will live on with each act of kindness that he inspires. Charles is survived by many loving siblings who had the joy of hearing his humor mature throughout his life, including his crowning achievement of dad-joke status, unlocked in 1979. The Nester siblings are many and connected through love; Ann (Norman) Cleeland, Laura Davis Baca (deceased), Mary Ellen (Nicholas) Howey, Rose Nester (Jim Heine), Geralyn Singer, Jeanne (Rich) Rhodes, Steve (Kim) Nester, Gerard (Tish) Nester, (Mark and Julie Baca). His joie de vivre was also filled by his adoration and pride for his many nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service at Bellefontaine Cemetery on Thursday, September 16 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to many of Charlie’s favorite charities:

Peter and Paul Community Services

Operation Food Search

Planned Parenthood

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Condolences

  • 10/01/2021

    Charlie was my roommate at Boston College for three years. He was a great friend. My wife and I were lucky enough to reconnect with him and JoAnn a few years ago. He remained the compassionate human that he was when I met him. I miss his funny and thought-provoking FB posts. Our deepest condolences to JoAnn and his other family members.

  • 09/16/2021

    JoAnn, Katie, Carl , and Jana, We are so sorry we are not able to join your family today. Memories go back to before the first babies were born and are too many to choose as the most special. Charlie was a mentor whether it was gardening, Indian Guides, history buff, humanitarian, and of course as the best physician we have ever met. Great men are few and far between but JoAnn you found a great one. Know that we share a piece of your grief as well as memories of many good times. We love you, Randy, Louise, Burt, and Kathy

  • 09/15/2021

    My brother, Charles, was an amazing person - so full of love for his family. He was a great organizer of parties and our biannual trip to Kentucky Lake, and was enthusiastic about everything he did. And he was a wonderful doctor, to boot. I was always amazed at how much information he had inside his head, a true renaissance man - a lover of science, the arts and government. I will always be grateful for everything he has done for his family as well as his brothers and sisters. We miss you, Charles and will see you in the next life along with our beloved sister, Laura and our parents. Peace, Rose

  • 09/15/2021

    Dr. Nester was one of the kindest and most genuine people I've had the privilege of knowing. He had the BEST sense of humor! I absolutely adored the way that he told jokes- they were often corny and they always put a smile on my face. He was truly one of the good ones. He was one of the best men I've ever had the privilege of knowing. The way that he loved his family. He loved them fiercely and wasn't afraid to show it, or share it. His wife and kids were everything to him. He and JoAnn have always been the example that i looked to of the type of relationship that I wanted for myself when I grew up. The way that they enjoyed one anothers company- how they are best friends, the way they always spoke to one another- with so much love and respect. The way that theyve shown love toward one another. Its truly beautiful and something that i believe is rare in this world. I believe any of us would be so lucky to find half as much love in our lifetime. Dr. Nester taught me a lot. More specifically he taught me a lot about gardening. I remember how excited he was to tell me about his indoor-self-feeding-catfish/planter. I had heard about it countless times before I actually got to see his setup. So, I'm at the Nester's house visiting and Dr. Nester asks me if I'd like to go down to the basement to see his catfish. It was amazing!!! Literally the coolest thing. But it was Dr. Nester's own excitement and enthusiasm about it was absolutely contagious! This was true about a lot things. Dr. Nester got excited about things that interested him and that excitement was seriously contagious! I could listen to him talk about anything bc of it. He was a great person to talk to. He actually listened when you spoke. And idk of a topic that was off limits. We had some great conversations. ^ ^ My love and deepest sympathies to JoAnn, Katie, Jana and Carl. There are no words adequate to describe your loss. I do believe that when we leave this physical world, we are transformed but not gone. I know you carry his love with you, but also carry his fascination and excitement for learning things, and his sense of humor. Dr. Nester was such a beautiful person and he leaves behind one of the kindest, most loving, fun, beautiful and genuine families I've know- My love you all. Abby Rowe

  • 09/15/2021

    Joann & family, so so sorry to hear this news. I have heard many of lovely stories of Charlie but only met him a handful of times. What a nice man he was. Peace to all of you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers . Joann Radil 🌸

  • 09/14/2021

    Sending my condolences to the family. It was a pleasure working for Dr. Charlie before he retired. ------Margaret

  • 09/14/2021

    My condolences to The Nester Family! Prayers to you all, I only got to work with him for a few months before he retired, but I still hear from many of his patients, of how great a Doctor he was and many are always asking how he is! It will be with sadness to tell them he has passed! Blessings to you all especially his wife,, kids/grandchildren Linda W SSFP

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