Dr. Guenther Hans Heidorn, 84, longtime Minot physician died on Friday, January 2, 2009 in a Minot hospital.

Guenther was born on October 25, 1924 near Hannover, Germany to Carl and Irmgard (Denker) Heidorn. He immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1928 and was reared and educated in New York City and New Jersey. As a high school student he was active on the high school track and field team and in the Boy Scouts of America attaining the Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow and Silver Buffalo awards. He graduated from Perth Amboy (N.J.) High School in 1942 and Rutgers University with a degree in biological sciences in 1943.

Dr. Heidorn served in the U.S. Army from 1943 until 1946 and during the Korean Conflict from 1950 - 1952. After a period of service in the Army Infantry he was assigned to an Army specialized training program in 1944 and received an M.D. Degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 1948 and was accorded the John Franklin Huber award. In addition, he was awarded a Master of Medical Science degree for study and research by the University of Pennsylvania in 1957. After specialty training at Hahneman University School of Medicine and the Graduate Hospital, University of Pennsylvania he was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He was elected as a Fellow, American College of Cardiology in 1956 and as a Fellow, American College of Physicians in 1958. His research in Philadelphia and at the Western Foundation for Clinical Research resulted in many articles in major medical publications. He became Director, Cardiovascular Diagnostic Clinic, Pennsylvania Railroad 1955-1958.

Dr. Heidorn married Anna Louise Esh on December 18th, 1948 in Philadelphia. This union was blessed with two daughters Heidi and Lisa. The family moved to Minot in 1958 where Dr. Heidorn operated a solo practice in Internal Medicine and Cardiology from which he retired in 1989. He also practiced in Palo Alto, CA associating with the Stanford University Medical Center from 1971 - 1974. Dr. Heidorn practiced in both Minot hospitals and was Chief of Staff and a member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph's Hospital for a period of time. After study at Oak Ridge National Laboratory he was the first to use diagnostic radioisotopes in ND in 1963. He organized the first complete Coronary Care Unit in North Dakota in 1967.

Dr. Heidorn was a member of the local, state and national medical associations as well as Physicians for a National Health Plan. He was the first governor for the American College of Cardiology, North Dakota and was a former Clinical Associate Professor at the UND School of Medicine. He was listed in Who's Who in the Midwest, American Men of Medicine and the International Registry of Who's Who. He has been active in environmental matters in the Nature Conservancy and the Yellowstone Coalition.

He especially enjoyed his profession, travel, upland bird hunting with his dogs and fly-fishing at their home in Big Sky Montana.

Dr. Heidorn's loving family includes his wife of 60 years Louise; daughters: Heidi (Stewart) Peacock of Big Sky MT and Dr. Lisa Heidorn - Cole (Dr. Steven Cole) of Evanston, Illinois; grandchildren: Rebecca Louise and Clayton Daniel Peacock.

Dr. Heidorn was preceded in death by his parents.

A private family service will be held in the future.
There will be no reviewal, however family and friends are invited for a book signing Wednesday, January 7, 2009 from noon to 5:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Minot State University Music Department or an organization of the donor's choice.