Dr. Delwin K. Ohrt, 83, Renowned Pathologist and Healthcare Leader, Passes Away
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Delwin K. Ohrt, a respected pathologist and healthcare leader in Minnesota. Dr. Ohrt passed away on May 20, 2024, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, Minnesota, at the age of 83.
Early Life and Education
Delwin Kenneth Ohrt was born on February 11, 1941, in Lennox, South Dakota, to Walter and Leona Ohrt. He attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before pursuing his medical degree at the University of South Dakota and the University of Nebraska Medical School. He completed his Pathology Residency in Sioux Falls.
Military Service and Professional Career
Following his graduation, Dr. Ohrt served his country as a pathologist in the U.S. Air Force in Southeast Asia. After his military service, he worked as a pathologist at the Laboratory of Clinical Medicine (LCM) in Mankato, Minnesota, covering many rural hospitals in southern Minnesota.
Dr. Ohrt was passionate about laboratory medicine. He was instrumental in introducing mobile ultrasound services to the region in the late 1970s, allowing women to see their babies in utero for the first time.
Dr. Ohrt’s professional career was marked by leadership and dedication to the medical community. He served as the Chairman of the Interspecialty Council of the Minnesota Medical Association. He furthered his education with an MBA from the MIT Sloan Fellows Program, graduating in 1986.
Healthcare Administration
Dr. Ohrt held positions as the Medical Director of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and later at Medica, where he continued to impact healthcare administration. He was known for his innovative thinking and commitment to improving the quality of healthcare for all.
Personal Life
Dr. Ohrt is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ruth, and his children: Colin, Carter, Curtis, Andrew, and Elizabeth. He was also a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the medical community.
Legacy
Dr. Ohrt’s legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched as a pathologist, healthcare administrator, and mentor. He was a dedicated professional who was committed to providing the highest quality of healthcare to his patients. He will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his field.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Dr. Ohrt’s life will be held at White Funeral Home in Lakeville on Saturday, June 1st, with an 11 AM service. Visitation begins at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Twin Cities Public Television or Messiah Lutheran Church Food Shelf in Lakeville.
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