Bernard Dean Heit, RPh
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Reserves (Retired)
Bernard “Bernie” Dean Heit, 79, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family and service. Bernie, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather was born September 26, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas. He was the youngest of four children born to Joseph and Augusta Heit.
Bernie attended St. Joseph Grade School and Hayden High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Quill and Scroll Society. Bernie ran track and cross country, where he was happy to lose to Jim Ryun, future Olympian.
Bernie began his undergraduate studies at Rockhurst University, majoring in chemistry and joining Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. It was there he met his wife Donna (Miller) Heit. They married in 1968, beginning a beautiful 57-year journey together. Bernie finished his studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy and graduated in 1971.
After graduation, Bernie worked as a pharmacist at several pharmacies in the Overland Park area. He was instrumental in building several businesses, including his own pharmacy.
Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and proudly served from 1971 to 1996, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He concluded his professional career in civil service as the Chief of Pharmacy at Munson Army Health Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas where he retired in 2017.
Bernie and Donna raised three children, instilling in them a deep Catholic faith and strong moral values. Together they enjoyed traveling, visiting destinations overseas and across the country. During the pandemic, they took “day trips” throughout Kansas and Missouri exploring the unique sights of their states. However, their all-time favorite trip was a cruise surrounded by their family to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Bernie had a “green thumb” and his yard was always one of the best in the neighborhood. He was also a sports enthusiast, faithfully following the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and the Kansas Jayhawks. However, no team mattered more to him than those of his grandchildren. He was never short on words of advice and encouragement for the next game, match, or race.
Bernard will be sorely missed but lovingly remembered by the family he leaves behind: his wife Donna. Son, Andrew Heit, and his sons, Justin and Collin. Daughter, Amy (Heit) Morfeld and her husband, Michael, and their daughters, Mollie, Emily, and Allie. Son, Timothy Heit and his wife, Mary (Colgan), and their children, Jack, Lily, Isabella, and Sophia. Brother, Francis Heit, and his wife, Beattie.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Augusta Heit, brother James Heit, sister-in-law Shirley, and sister Mary Ann Heit. And his in-laws Charles and Elizabeth Miller.
The family would like to acknowledge the kind and compassionate care “Bern Bern” received at Stratford Commons Memory Care. Over the two years he was a resident there, the staff became another family and the work they do every day is sincerely appreciated. God bless them.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W 93rd St, Overland Park, KS 66212, Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr, Shawnee Mission, KS 66205 or Sisters Servants of Mary, 800 N 18th St, Kansas City, KS 66102.