Theodore Fayne (Ted) Hegeman, M.D.

Theodore Fayne Hegeman (Ted) age 76 died Friday, November 12th at home with his wife Linda, children, granddaughter, and loyal dog, Annie by his side, after living courageously with cancer for almost three years. Ted was born in Indianapolis on February 11, 1945 to Mary Jane Bauermeister Hegeman and Fayne Theodore Hegeman. Ted grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he graduated from Wiley High School, Class of 1962, before matriculating to DePauw University, Class of 1966. He married Linda Mills Hegeman on August 13, 1966. Ted went on to graduate from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1970 as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical society and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Indiana University Hospitals. Ted worked in the Methodist Hospital Emergency Room for three years before finishing his fellowship in nephrology at Methodist. He was a partner, as well as President & CEO (1996-2003), of Nephrology and Internal Medicine from 1977 until his retirement in 2007. He also served as the Medical Director of the Dialysis Institutes of Indiana from 1981-1995. Ted obtained an MBA in 1995, graduating Beta Gamma Sigma from the University of South Florida. Ted reread one of his favorite books, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, a few weeks before his death. This book seems fitting: the title character surmounts confinement and diminished circumstances by devoting himself to caring for others and enjoying simple pleasures with the belief that "whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." Ted and Linda valued good food, good wine, and dining with family and good friends. They attended cooking classes with Guilliana Bugialli in Florence, practicing their new recipes by giving dinner parties to support many organizations close to their hearts, especially Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. When Ted retired in 2007, he took over much of the cooking at home with Ina Garten by his side. Pre-Covid, Ted volunteered weekly serving people in need at the Indianapolis Archdiocese Crisis Office. A former medical partner when asked to characterize Ted, replied that "If I could summarize in one sentence: 'Ted was a man of uncompromising professional and personal integrity.' In addition, while he held himself to the highest standard as a physician, he was always respectful of all with whom he worked, was an excellent and fair-minded problem solver, and had a great, if sometimes subtle, sense of humor. It was also clear that he was truly devoted to his family." Ted is survived by Linda, his wife of 55 years, three children and their spouses: Emily and Mike Cavanagh, Mary and Jelyo Jelev, and Joe and Jaime Hegeman; and six grandchildren: Hanna Cavanagh, Teddy Cavanagh, Henry Cavanagh, Madeline Hegeman, Noah Hegeman, and Daniel Jelev. The family would like to thank Ted’s physicians, nurses, and other caregivers who provided compassionate care throughout his illness. Ted and Linda are grateful for the many friends who acknowledged his illness and came bearing support whether in prayer, in a message, or with food or flowers at the front door. Family and friends will gather on Friday, November 26th, for visitation at 10 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM, at Our Lady of Peace Chapel, 9001 Haverstick Rd, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, Ted asked that donations be made to Doctors without Borders: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/secure/donate. Online condolences and memories may be shared at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/theodore-hegeman-10445649 or www.leppertmortuary.com.