Dr. Wojciech “Wojtek” Maria Bogdanowicz
June 12, 1936 - July 10, 2017
Obituary
MADISON-Dr. Wojciech Maria “Wojtek” Bogdanowicz, M.D., age 81, of Madison and Naples, Fla., passed away on Monday, July 10, 2017. He was born on June 12, 1936, in Warsaw, Poland. Wojtek was a survivor of World War II. His father, Anthony, a captain in the Polish army, was a victim of the Russian invasion of Poland in 1939 and lost his life at the Katyn Forest. He was raised and influenced by his beloved mother, Hanna. She was an Ophthalmologist whose skill and intelligence ensured their survival during the war. Wojtek could fascinate his children and grandchildren with stories of survival as a child during the war. He studied medicine in Poland. His quest brought him to the U.S. in 1962 on a grant from the Ventnor Foundation. He first worked at Patterson General Hospital in Patterson, N.J. as a pediatric intern. There, he met the love of his life, Libby, whom preceded him in death at a young age. Wojtek became a U.S. citizen shortly after his arrival and was proud of his new homeland. He did his medical residency in Neurosurgery at Dartmouth in Hanover, N.H. Wojtek made many lifelong friends, several of whom became his colleagues in Neurosurgery at the Dean Clinic Medical Center in Madison. He practiced one of his life's passions, Neurosurgery, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison for over 35 years and was a pioneer in establishing trauma care at St. Mary’s. Additionally, he was a fierce advocate for his patients and was integral in establishing the first CT scanner at St. Mary’s Hospital. His skill and caring touched the lives of many patients and their families. He was a kind person with a love for people, art and learning. Wojtek is remembered as a great father. As a single parent of three, he taught his children that hard work, honesty and respect for others will always pay off. He was the grandfather of eight and became known as, "Dzia, Dzia" (grandpa). Wojtek was a passionate patron of the arts. He could lecture on art as easily as he could on Neurosurgery. Wojtek never stopped learning and was intrigued by art until the very end. He will be greatly missed. Wojtek was a giant of a man for whom the mold was broken. He will stay in the hearts forever of those who loved him forever with the knowledge that his memory, and passion will carry on. He was truly one of a kind. We will miss you "Dzia, Dzia". Wojtek is survived by his three children, Dr. Marta Bogdanowicz (Dr. Dan Hoefer) of Madison, Dr. Luke (Amber) Bogdanowicz of Minneapolis, Minn., and Kasia Bogdanowicz ( Anders Christensen) of Montreal, Canada; and eight grandchildren; Maggie (16), Luna (13), Sadie (13), Sophie (13), Daniel (12), Alex (10), Aurora (6) and Lukie (2). He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Libby. As per Wojtek's request, his funeral will be private for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers please make donations in his name to Edgewood Campus School, 829 Edgewood College Drive, Madison, WI 53711. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Events
There are no events for Dr. Wojciech “Wojtek” yet.
PW
Paula wagner
Other •
As a new, young x-ray tech, he was a force to be reckoned with in the OR and I shuddered the entire way to the OR in hopes I would provide a superior Radiograph for him. As the years went by, I realized it was all show. He was a kind man as he sought the best for his patients and his young family . Dr. Bogie was an advocate for his patients and they and their care came above everything. I was also privileged to be lucky to see his interactions with his children and grandchildren in years gone by. They were the light of his life. Marta, Luke and Kasia, he loved you all very much. Cherish your memories and keep him in your heart forever. He is at long last with your Mom.
Paula and Vince Wagner
JR
Jane Richard
Other •
Dear Loving Family of Wojtek,
My heart skipped a beat when I read your father's/grandfather's name. My father loved your father and talked about him often. When Libby died my dad told me how much your dad loved her and how hard it was for him. I think it resonated with me greatly because my husband had died at the age of 29. I had always wanted to meet the great man my dad talked about. His life had some very sad times but mostly he had great loves with all of you and his fellow clinicians and patients. How fortunate you have all been to have been loved by him and now have all his wonderful stories with which to remember him.
Jane Richard ( Dr Tom Geppert's daughter)
JD
Jim Derr
Other •
Dear Family,
Your father saved my life in 1988. I had an aneurysm on the inside of my brain and he did a great job of operating, which took over six hours. I made a complete recovery thanks to that wonderful man. I have always remembered and will always remember him. Not only a great surgeon, but a kind and caring person.
Sincerely,
Jim Derr
CW
Candace Weber
Other •
My condolences to the extended Bogdanowicz family. As a new physician assistant 20 plus years ago, I had the opportunity to work with your father. I learned some important lessons from him. I hope you all find peace in your memories.
Candace Weber
MG
Marjorie Grant
Other •
So many memories of working with this wonderful surgeon at St. Mary's Hospital Pediatric ICU and then in the Neurology Dept. at Dean Medical Center. I would never let him leave the ICU when he brought in a new patient until I had him read his written orders. Frequently after a long day or a late night surgery his orders were in Polish. And sometimes he couldn't even read them. I could go on forever. I'm sure his family has many such wonderful memories and will miss him very much. But trust me, he is in many hearts.
DL
Debbie Loftsgordon
Other •
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow- Shakespeare. Condolences from the JMM Class of 1990.