Bruce A. Heyl, MD

Dr. Heyl departed this life on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at home with family at his side. He was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on September 19, 1937 to Lola Mae (Bellows) Heyl and Joseph George Heyl. He grew up in Worthington, Minnesota and graduated from Worthington High School. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota where he played football and majored in Biology and Chemistry. He graduated with honors in 1959 and married Carol Johnson. They had three children. After earning a Masters Degree in Zoology at the University of Wyoming in Laramie he entered medical school at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. He received his MD in Psychiatry/Neurology and spent two years in academic medicine on the university faculty.

Dr. Heyl came to Appleton in 1971 where he joined an independent clinical psychiatry group. He remained in independent practice and cared for patients until his retirement in November, 2008. For much of that time he served as director of psychiatric services at St. Elizabeth Hospital. In recent years he was on staff at Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah. He also supervised many organizations serving the mentally ill.

Bruce married Diana Bartosic on his 50th birthday and they spent 22 wonderful years together loving and enjoying their combined family of six children and 13 grandchildren. They shared many interests and hobbies including extensive travel to explore other lands and cultures.

Dr. Heyl was esteemed by his colleagues for his professional competence. He was beloved by his patients for his compassion and sense of humor. He was admired by his many friends for his forthrightness and loyalty. He was loved by his family for his kindness, generosity of spirit and zest for life.

Bruce was a man of many interests. He had the unique ability to balance work, family and recreation. He loved the out-of-doors and was an avid hunter, golfer and downhill skier. He had a keenly competitive nature and raced sailboats for many years, winning many trophies. He read several hours every day and was a talented watercolor artist.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and a dear uncle and aunt, Dick and Ruth Muller of Sioux Falls.

He is survived by his wife, Diana, and all six children: Bruce (Mary) Heyl, Jr., Daniel (Pattie) Heyl, Erica Heyl (Robert Long), Nicole (Peter) Oldenburg, Anthony (Jamie) Popp, and Dr. Deidre Popp (Thomas Rippl). He is also survived by his sister, Sandra Heyl.

Bruce was the proud and loving grandfather to 13 grandchildren: Will and Sarah Dowd; Edward, Martha and Josephine Heyl; Maggie, Elizabeth, Jameson and Leah Oldenburg; Caden, Bennett and Nora Popp, and Katelyn Rippl.

Other loving family include his brothers-in-law, Richard Bartosic and Jeffry (Mary) Bartosic; sisters-in-law, Susan (Bill) Owens, Lisa (John) McGarrity and Julie (Chuck) Floyd and many nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating his life will be held at First English Lutheran Church, 326 E. North Street in Appleton on Sunday, September 13 at 2:00 PM with Reverend Dennis Ellisen officiating. Friends may call at the church from 12:30 until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or the Affinity Hospice and Visiting Nurses in Dr. Heyl's name.

The family expresses sincere gratitude for the many cards, letters, prayers and expressions of sympathy that have been received. The care and support provided by the Affinity Visiting Nurses Program is also deeply appreciated.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231