Kay A. Heggestad

I met Kay many years ago as a patient. She was filling in for her husband that day. Further down the line, I met her again as she was studying at Meriter Hospital prior to her work at Hospice . I heard nothing but glowing reports about her work there. As a RN, I knew how much she gave to all patients. I am glad she had time to be with family and friends. No offense to Kay or her family, but you remain in my prayers.

Kay, the PFLAG cheerleader! I remember well my very first Pride Parade. Kay was handing out a sheet full of chants/cheers she had composed for us to say as we were participating in the parade. In spite of all of her enthusiasm, our small group just couldn't quite get the cadence/rhythm of some of her best efforts. The one that we did seem to latch on to and be able to shout out (while walking) was: "Two, Four, Six, Eight, We Love Our Kids, Gay and Straight" So now I would like to edit a bit and change it to "Two, Four, Six, Eight, We Love YOU, Kay, "Cause You Were GREAT!"

To Paul Wertsch. I'm am deeply sorry for your loss of Kay. I so enjoyed working with the both of you in the Medical Staff Office at the hospital. I am away and will be unable to attend the celebration but know you will be in my thoughts. Please take care. Karen Rozinski

I hated seeing this face in the obituary column! I've never had a doctor like Dr. Heggestad. Had to leave her for insurance reasons and went looking for someone to replace that excellence, to no avail. She was the first to hand me a mirror during the exam and somehow, she cultivated a kind of teamwork atmosphere at the same time you felt gratefully pinned to the wall by her focus on your medical problem du jour, or just (and especially) on your humanity. I never knew she was so funny, wish I had. Kay didn't remember me (of course) but here's a simple memory I'm grateful for today. Maybe 10 years ago, I find myself next to her on a street corner, waiting for the Walk light, I re-introduce myself to her and tell her she was my favorite doctor. In return, a gift of those lively eyes and that smile. Then the light changed. What a loss and what a life.

Dr Heggestad was a dedicated and compassionate Doctor. She delivered our first daughter in 1977. How many Doctors would call new parents after their 1st night home (on a Sunday) just to see " how did your 1st night go"? She delivered our other two children, and remained our " Doctor Kay" until her retirement. A few years ago we ran into her at t he Madison Farmers Market. Not only did she remember us, but asked about our children. Kay was special because she made everyone feel special. Thank you for touching our lives. Louanne & Ron Kelly