Virgil G. Heitz, 59, of Lees Summit, Mo., passed away April 15, 2013.

Visitation was April 20, followed by a memorial service at Muehlebach Funeral Home, 6800 Troost Ave, Kansas City, Mo.

Memorial contributions may be given to Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, in care of Virgil Heitz, 3011 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Virgil was born on November 19, 1953, the son of Glenn and Darlene Heitz, in Charles City, Iowa. He graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and from the Baptist Hospital Respiratory Care Program. Virgil worked as a respiratory therapist at area hospitals. He began working at Trinity Lutheran Hospital, where he met and worked with his wife, Linda and her mother, Maurine. He worked at Trinity for 20 years. While at Trinity Hospital, Virgil also worked with patients at Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, which was across the street from the hospital. He later worked as director of the department for Overland Park Regional Hospital and Menorah Medical Center. He touched the lives of many people and patients throughout his professional career. He was a great teacher and mentor to other Respiratory Therapists in the area.

His children, Derek and Monica, will always be with Virgil’s spirit. He loved and cherished them more than we can know. Virgil was closest to heaven when on a stream fly fishing; it was a spiritual time for him. Virgil is finally at peace. He was a wonderful person who touched many lives with his gentle spirit and unmatched wit. He was a great teacher, mentor, father, and husband who will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Derek and wife Carri; daughter, Monica and friend Rob; two sisters, Carol Schmidt and husband Bill; Jeanine Tudor and husband Joe; brother, Randy Heitz and wife Marilyn; and his parents.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.muehlebachchapel.com.