Bernard F. Nass Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Bernard Frederick Nass (aka “Ben”) peacefully fell asleep in Jesus in his home at Greenspring Village, Springfield, Virginia, on Wednesday, June 15 at the age of 86. He was a devoted, faithful, and loving husband, father and grandfather. He dedicated his life to sharing the good news of the abundant grace of God. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Anne ‘nee Zelez, whom he married on June 25, 1961, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Seaford, NY. Survivors include daughters Lisa Beth (Lesley Dee Schriver), a Surgical Pathologist specializing in cytology, and Christa Marie, Executive Director, InspireCIO; three grandchildren Catherine Elizabeth, Caralyn Marie and Jamey Ogilvy; nieces and nephew, Alayne Renee Blickle (Matt Livengood); Frederick William Blickle III, Carolyn Habrock and Theresa Rehg. The Reverend Dr. Chaplain Col. Bernard Frederick Nass was born in a farm house located 2 ½ miles west of Blue Hill, Nebraska, the middle of three children of Harold and Druella (Buss) Nass. He survived parents (d.1974 & d.1944) and siblings (Edward-d.1992 & Barbara-d.1996). Following elementary education at Trinity parochial school, he entered St. John’s Academy & College, Winfield, KS, in 1950, to begin studies that would lead 11 years later to graduation from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO., and ordination into the Office of the Holy Ministry in 1961. He served four years as a mission developer in the Clio/Mt. Morris area of northern Flint, MI., establishing Messiah Lutheran Church in Clio. He then accepted a divine call from his church body to serve as a chaplain in the U. S. Army. In 1965, he entered active duty at Ft. Gordon, GA. Significant assignments were: battalion chaplain with the 25th Infantry Division in Viet Nam, brigade chaplain with the 82nd ABN Division at Ft. Bragg, NC. He served four years on the Staff and Faculty of the U. S. Army Chaplain Center and School; served as division Chaplain for the 3rd Infantry Division, Wurzburg, Germany; Installation Staff Chaplain at Ft. Campbell, KY., and EUSAREUR Personnel Chaplain in Heidelberg, Germany. His final assignment was in 1991 where he served as the Director of Personnel and Ecclesiastical Relations for the Chief of Army Chaplains in the Pentagon. His military awards and decorations are: The Legion of Merit (2 OLC), the Bronze Star, the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, The meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (1 OCL), the Soldier’s Medal, a Meritorious Unit Citation, a Valorous Unit Citation, and the Korean Presidential Citation. He also earned the Senior Parachutist (54 jumps) and Air Assault badges. His educational accomplishments include: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Divinity, Master of Science, Master of Arts, and a Doctor of Ministry degrees. Following his retirement from Military service in September 1993, he and his family continued to live in the Alexandria area. In May 1997, he accepted a Divine Call to serve as Associate Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, a position held until his retirement in July 2006. Prior to and following that position, he served as interim pastor at Grace, Woodbridge, VA., Pilgrim, Bethesda, MD, St. Paul, Glen Burnie, MD., Messiah, Germantown, MD., Living Savior, Fairfax, City, VA., Good Shepherd, Reston, VA., and Calvary, Silver Spring, MD. Additionally, he continued to serve in emeritus status both for St. John’s and the Southeastern District. Ben was a licensed pilot, enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, reading, traveling and family gatherings, especially on Lake Okauchee, Wisconsin. You are invited to join his family for his celebration of life service on July 9, 2022 at 11am ET at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Va. The service will be streamed and archived at St. John’s Lutheran Live. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310.

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Bernard F. Nass

January 31, 1936 - June 15, 2022