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Robert Heidt Obituary
Dr. Heidt founded Wellington Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine in 1978. By the time he retired in 2000, he had helped to serve orthopedic patients here for nearly 50 years.
He was the Reds' team orthopedist from 1968 to 1990 and served the same role for the Bengals from 1980 to 1998.
""He's left a great legacy,"" said his son Rob Heidt of Indian Hill, an orthopedist who has followed the same path to Wellington, the Reds and the Bengals. ""He was among the last of doctors to be jack of all trades and master of them all.""
During Super Bowl XXIII in January 1989, Robert Heidt was among the first on the field to treat Bengal defensive lineman Tim Krumrie after he suffered a gruesome leg injury.
""He just said, 'I'll take care of it,'"" Rob Heidt said. ""He went back there and personally set Tim's leg.""
Bengals owner Mike Brown recalled road trips where Dr. Heidt would always be golfing or fishing or some other activity.
""After all that, he'd show up to get on the bus with us to go to the stadium, and we would have done nothing and he would have had a full day,"" Brown said. ""He was always doing so many things.
""He had a way with people where he gained their confidence,"" Brown added. ""He was very good as a doctor, and they knew it.""
Dr. Heidt was born in Park Hills and graduated from Covington Latin School in 1941. He earned degrees from the University of Cincinnati in 1944 and the University Louisville School of Medicine in 1948.
Other than two years in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1953 and several stints at hospitals in Boston soon after, Dr. Heidt worked his entire career in Cincinnati.
He had a longtime affiliation with Christ Hospital and was president of the medical staff there from 1979 to 1981.
Dr. Heidt's wife, Fritzi, said Wellington, which has grown to 29 doctors and about 350 employees, was a longtime goal for her husband.
""From the beginning of our marriage, his dream was to have his own private clinic,"" she said.
She called him a ""stickler"" for details at the practice and the hospital.
""He wanted everything done perfectly,"" she said. ""If it wasn't, he was not a happy camper.""
In addition to his wife and son, survivors include five daughters, Carol Snyder of Maineville, Tracy Keating of Green Township, Holly Kross of Green Township, Gretchen Jackson of Franklin, Tenn., and Lauren Kuetemeyer of Lake Bluff, Ill.; a brother, Richard Heidt of Loveland; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the Church of the Annunciation, 3547 Clifton Ave., Clifton, with burial to follow in Gate of Heaven cemetery. A reception will follow at noon at Cincinnati Country Club, 2348 Grandin Road, Hyde Park.
Memorials: Christ Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2139 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45219.
Written by Cliff Peale | [email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Heidt
10 Entries
Steven and Emily Heidt
July 14, 2011
Rob was a wonderful and loving person that brought much pride to his community and family. I will always cherish the holidays talking with him and Fritzi after mass.
Alvin Crawford MD
May 20, 2011
Bob was a true professional in every since of the word. He shared his Boston roots with me when I first arrived in Cincinnati as a young doctor.He organized a tremendous group which set high standards for the community. I agree with his son that the compleat surgeon he epitomized is rare to find these days. My sincerest sympathy and regards to his wife and family for their lost.
Becky Horvath
May 18, 2011
Dr. Bob Heidt was a wonderful man and great doctor. He was always a gentleman. I will remember the good times with my friends Bob and Fritzi!
Rick Gray
May 18, 2011
Dr. Heidt was truly a great and caring doctor. My condolences to his wife Fritzi and son, Dr. Rob Heidt Jr. You will be missed. Rick Gray and Funch Lumber Co. of Cincinnati, Oh
Mary Jo Bishari
May 18, 2011
"DB", as he was affectionately called by his nieces, nephews, and others, was a fabulous uncle - my favorite, truth be told. His smile was comforting, his voice filled an area with authority and love. I remember his pipe collection and the smells of his tobaccos. His love for his family was always apparent - as well as his dedication to whatever he did. A first class job is what he expected of others and that is what he gave in return. Rest in peace, DB.
May 18, 2011
Friend,patient of ours,colleague,fine individual,we will sorely miss Bob.
TEB. MD.
Paul Sparling
May 18, 2011
So sad to hear of the passing of a true legacy. Dr. Robert S. Heidt epitomized caring, compassion, dignity, scholarliness, and passion. I first met him in 1978 and grew to appreciate him as a truly special person in every sense. While he will be sorely missed by all who knew him, we are all better persons for having had him in our lives. Rest in Peace.
May 18, 2011
Dr. Heidt was a great friend and teacher to the interns and residents at The Christ Hospital. My condolences to Fritzi and the family, Jo and Bob Ritzi
Lorrie Paulus
May 17, 2011
When I saw the headline on Cincinnati.com I immediately hoped that this was not Dr. Heidt, but somehow given the words Reds, Bengals and legacy I knew that was him. He was a wonderful and caring physician and I had the privilege of working with him at The Christ Hospital in the 1980's. He was very well respected and was a great physician and will be truly missed. His son Rob Heidt followed in Dr. Heidt's footsteps as Chief of Staff at TCH and I had the honor to work with him as well in that capacity. My condolences go to Dr. Heidt's wife, Fritzi, Rob and the entire family..May he rest in peace.
ed hartenian
May 17, 2011
Sorry to read Bob's obit.Enjoy many golf games with Bob as well as a great professional relationship. My condolences Fritzi and the rest of the family. Ed Hartenian
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