Dr. Robert Ersel Nordquist
OKLAHOMA CITY - Dr. Robert Ersel Nordquist, fondly known as “Bob”, left this world to join his daughter, wife, and Heavenly Father on August 22, 2021. Bob was born on September 10, 1938, to John August Nordquist and Esther Lee Gattis. He grew up in Oklahoma City and Canton, and his grandfather was an 1889 settler in The Oklahoma Land Run. He was graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City and received a Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma City University. After graduation, he began working in the Dermatology Department at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) where he received a PhD in Pathology.
Bob and Marie Elizabeth were high school sweethearts and were married the year that Marie graduated (1956). Bob and Marie were married for nearly 50 years! They had two daughters named Beth Elaine and Shelly Lee with her husband, Terry Bishop.
Bob was preceded in death by Marie and Beth. He is survived by his daughter, Shelly Bishop of Cypress, TX, and his brother Johnny Nordquist in Oklahoma City. Bob had 4 granddaughters: Mandy Melissa of Cypress, TX, Jennifer Elaine of OKC with her husband, Chris Burch. Bob leaves behind his twin granddaughters, Erika Elizabeth and Alekza Lynn both of Cypress, TX. Bob is survived by 12 great grandchildren: From Mandy, he is survived by 7 great grandchildren: Macy Melissa of Oklahoma, Ally Marie, Kaley Lee, Avery Elaine, and Troy Jr. of Golden, CO. The youngest of Mandy’s are Zoe Elizabeth and Riley Boomer in Michigan. Jennifer and Chris have five children. Bob is survived by their children Paige, Kylie, Hayden Robert, Landon Christopher, and Molly Annmarie of OKC, OK.
Bob was passionate not only about the work that he did, but eager to discover and invent new treatments that were more effective, less invasive, and ultimately changed the lives of many patients. Bob found joy in teaching students and mentoring them so that they could continue to research, invent, treat, and save lives.
When he had some downtime in his professional life, he loved to race cars! He swapped out golfing for racing at one point. As I’m sure anyone reading this knows, Bob had quite the sense of humor and he thought it was hysterical to call and describe the next stunt he wanted to do for an adrenaline rush.
Bob detested traveling… that was until he sat in a First-Class spot heading to Nassau. Once he knew he could fly first class, he loved to go. Shelly went with Bob on a few trips and assisted him with his work AND keeping him company on the beach!
The last two years of his life, he moved to the Houston area and was living with his daughter, Shelly and her husband, Terry. His granddaughters Alekza and Mandy also lived there with his great-granddaughter, Avery. We quickly settled into a routine of dropping in without notice for a “quick hello” that usually turned into a several hours visit or watching one of his favorite Western movies. Bob and Erika were in the process of mapping out the family tree and it was exciting to see him so engaged and enthusiastic.
Bob never failed to say how proud he was of all the girls. He wanted his family to have the best lives that they can and to maximize their potential. I pray that he knows how proud we are of him. He made a difference in this world with his work, his love, his kindness, and his strength. He led with love and integrity. He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace and comfort. We promise to look after each other now.
There will be a graveside service held at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City on 9/25/21 at 11 AM. The address is 7801 N.W. Expressway, OKC, OK 73132.