Natalie J. Baker-Heser, MD
Dec. 25, 1967-Feb. 15, 2024
Natalie Jeanne Baker-Heser was born to William and Oksana (Worobec) Baker in Denver, Colorado on December 25, 1967. She attended South High School where she excelled in academics and graduated as the salutatorian of her class in 1986.
Following high school, Natalie attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and then the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she graduated summa cum laude in 1991 with a BS in Psychology.
Natalie went on to attend the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, receiving her Doctorate of Medicine in 1996 and later completing her psychiatry residency from the Creighton/Nebraska Psychiatry Foundation in 2000. She became a board certified psychiatrist in 2003 and practiced adult and correctional psychiatry throughout her entire career. Her achievements and affiliations include: Member of American Psychiatry Association; Executive Member for the Nebraska Psychiatric Society; Recognized by the Vietnam Veterans of America – Nebraska State Council; and Recipient of the Frank J. Menolascino Award during her medical training. She was not only an incredible physician who took a holistic approach to healing, but a fierce patient advocate which gained her the respect and admiration of her patients and peers throughout the community.
Natalie married Bob Heser on December 28, 2001, at Boys Town Dowd Chapel in Omaha. She was an incredible wife and an even more amazing mother to her son Ryan (20), twin daughters Lauren and Emma (18), and Mary Grace (15). She always put her children first and was passionate in her support for their academics, sports, and activities. She was selfless and thus all her hobbies and interests revolved around those of her children.
Despite incredible support from family, friends, and colleagues where every path to recovery was pursued, she lost her unrelenting battle with pancreatic cancer, 19 months post diagnosis, on February 15, 2024.
She is preceded in death by her father, William Baker; step father, Richard Narduzzo; great-grandmother, Roszalia Roszko; grandparents, Michael and Stephania Worobec; father-in-law Thomas Heser; and sister-in-law Sara Heser.
Natalie is survived by her husband Bob; son Ryan; and daughters Lauren, Emma, and Mary Grace. She is also survived by her mother Oksana Narduzzo; only sibling and loving sister Stephanie (Mark) Healy and their children Collin, Grant, Jocelyn and Carson; mother-in-law, Sandra Heser; brother-in-law Tom (Courtney) Heser and their children Jacob, Hannah and Josh; aunt Ola Gaube; cousins Michelle (Craig) Labs and Joe (Heidi) Gaube; and very special friend and colleague Dr. Mary Jo Hanigan and family.
Visitation: Sunday Feb. 25, 2024, 2:00-4:00pm with a Vigil Service at 4:00pm at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific St. Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.
Please direct memorials to Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church (Omaha) in Natalie’s honor or to the family for the establishment of scholarships for Nebraska students pursuing health care.
58 Comments
My love and thoughts are with you. She was the best friend anyone could ask for.
She was a great friend! I’m certain she was a great Dr. Very sad day . She’ll be in my prayers for the family.💔
I had the privilege to work with Dr. Baker. I will hold those memories close to my heart. She was one of the best!! She loved her family and talked about all the fun times you had!! Prayers for all!!
So. Sorry to. Hear this news.
Natalie’s death is tragic, and a loss of a beautiful human being. It’s difficult to come to terms with the circumstances of her death, now in the prime of her life.
Stephanie-so very sorry to hear this. So many memories of the two of you together with Sabrina and myself. Softball, driving at 15, getting dominos delivered to your house, and laughing lots. Best to her husband and kids-thinking of all of you.
I worked with Dr Baker at the Sarpy Co Jail and she was so smart, funny and kind. This world needs more like her
My thoughts and prayers are with Natalie’s family and friends. My heart hurts for the loss of Natalie. She will always be remembered with great respect and love. May she Rest in peace.
I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you
My heart hurts for you all. Natalie – a woman of compassion, class, character, integrity, intelligence, complexity, exemplary judgement and an unfathomable reservoir of strength, spirit and service. Her love and commitment to her family, friends and so many others changed many lives for the better in utterly unimaginable ways.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
Jennifer Katz
Bob & kids.,
We are so sorry to hear of Natalie’s passing. We have so many fond memories from working together to Bunco! Natalie was so much fun in
our Bunco Babes Group! Please know you are all in our thoughts & prayers!
Signed with caring thoughts & prayers!
Barbara & Terry Harrison
❤️🙏
We both loved Natalie. Our hearts go out to you Bob and Ryan,Lauren.,Emma and Mary Grace. I will miss her.
As a colleague Dr Baker was passionate, professional and a focused advocate for her patients — as a friend Natalie was a joy to know. My deepest sympathy to all she loved and all who loved her.
We both send our sympathies to you all. I’ve thought of Natalie and her illness. I texted her often hoping it would elevate her spirits I know she gave her all with he treatments. She was a brave and strong lady
Sympathies to the family and relatives . Our heart are with all of you. Bob,Ryan,Lauren,Emma and Mary Grace.I had so much fun on our lunches. It was so nice to hear what was going on with the. Family. Natalie will be missed from all.
Thoughts and prayers for Bob and the kids on this train time I’ve known Natalie almost all of her life being her mom‘s mom‘s best friend and grew up playing with Natalie and Stephanie. I can’t believe what a loving mother, a great doctor, and a wonderful person to be around, the world gonna miss a terrific person!!!!! Many love to the Heser family love, Rich and Justin
I was privileged to work with Natalie and quickly learned how special she was. With her passing, a bright light has gone out. She still had so much to give, but it was not to be.
Our heartfelt thoughts go out to her family.
Rest in peace Natalie and sending prayers for her loving family.
Natalie‘s precious gift as a wife and mother and as a doctor cannot be measured in human terms or expressions. She was beautiful inside and out. Her legacy is not only to her family but to all that she took care of and helped to get better. She is no longer in pain. She is in heaven with those that love her. We will miss her here, but we pray that one day we will all be together again when we can celebrate and rejoice, and look towards all eternity of time together. Blessings to the family and let each one of them know that the past seems hard now, but this is a new normal with deepest sympathies the Morton family.
So sad to hear this. Praying for you and your family, Bob.
Mary Grace and Heser family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Our hearts go out to each of you during this time and the days ahead. Sending you our prayers for strength and peace.
Nati and Gracie Andresen
Natalie was a friend and colleague. I truly enjoyed working with her. She was the consummate professional and a champion for those in her care. I will miss her. Rest in peace., Natalie. My condolence’s to her family and those who knew and loved her.
Oksana and family, my sympathy on the loss of your wonderful daughter. May God grant all of you comfort.
Bob, Oksana, Stephanie and family, I was so very saddened to hear of Natalie’s illness and passing. I have the most wonderful memories of her and growing up in our little corner of Omaha. I will always remember her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. May she rest in peace.
The Rodino family send our sincere condolences and sorrow to the Heser family and God bless Natalie.
Mark and Stephanie, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your wonderful memories help you find comfort and peace during this time. Sending love, hugs, and prayers.
The twins and my daughter were classmates at St. Robert’s School. I enjoyed sharing soccer and basketball games and witnessing Natalie ‘s fierce support for her kids. Such a loss to her family and the world.
There are so many fond memories of Natalie when we were young. We shared so many adventures together and though our lives took different paths I will always cherish the friendship we shared.
I worked with Dr. Baker years ago and had so much respect for her as a psychiatrist. She was a joy to work with and will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Dr. Baker was one of the very best people I have known and had the good fortune to work with. She was full of style, grace, charismatic and compassionate. She has a legacy of caring for the vulnerable and being an advocate for those less fortunate. She adored her family and was so proud of her children. My heart aches for all of you. She was incredible and will be missed by all.
Heser Family,
Praying you sense the love and prayers of the St. Robert community during this difficult time and in the days ahead.
All our love,
The Gates Family
I’m so sorry to hear of Natalie’s passing. I was lucky enough to grow up with her then attend South High together. Natalie was always the smartest in the room and she carried herself w dignity and grace. So sorry for your family’s loss. May she rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathies to your whole family. Such a wonderful soul.
Naalie was the best. She was a very kind, free sprited and funny person to be around. She wasn’t just a good friend to me but the best. We hit it off when she started working at LHRC. and our friendship lasted even after she moved on from there. She made sure to check in on me and I did the same with her. I will miss our long lunch conversations we had. Natalie I will never forget what you did for me. Thank you for the being the greatest friend to me. To her family I am deeply sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers. Heaven gained a true angel.. .
Bob & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time and continued prayers.
Heser family and Mary Grace,
Thinking of you during this time and sending our love and support. Your family has been through so much, may her memories and love surround you during this heartbreaking time . Praying you find peace and comfort in each other.. Natalie was a wonderful woman!
Megan and Gisele Gutgsell
My deepest sympathies go out to the Heser family. I pray for the repose of Natalie’s soul as she enters the kingdom of Heaven. I pray that you all find comfort in your memories of her until you are together again. God bless you.
Bob you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Tracy and Jon
I am so incredibly sorry to hear of Natalie’s passing. She was a true friend and was a light in the darkness for many, both personally and professionally. Always optimistic, such a great sense of humor. Loving and generous as the day is long, She is a soul who will most certainly be missed.
Dear Hesers-
We are so sorry. Natalie was an amazing woman. She was kind and thoughtful, a wonderful neighbor, friend, and carpool buddy. Sending hugs and prayers to you all from the Bauer family.
Stephanie and family,
Your sister was so gifted and smart and yet down to earth and fun! I’m so sad for your loss of a wonderful person. I’m also grateful for all the people she helped throughout her career all while raising amazing kids. ! Wow! Quite a human being ! She will be missed by many. I pray comfort and peace at this time for you all. I hate cancer!! Debbie and Mike Losole
I am devastated to hear of Natalie’s passing. I had the great privilege to work alongside her, as her social worker, when she was at Lasting Hope. Dr. Baker and I hit it off, instantly! Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping her patient’s, – and truly anyone who needed it – is something I will never forget. I was blessed to call her a friend in the years since. She was such a positive (often humorous) light in this world, and I will forever be grateful to have had her in my life, even for a few short years. She spoke so fondly of Bob and her children; my heart goes out to you all! Natalie will be immensely missed, by so many.
Oksana and Family ,I am so very sorry for the loss of Natalie, May God Give You All Comfort and Peace ,and Wisdom knowing Natalie is now in Heaven
I am so sorry to hear of Dr Baker’s passing. I worked with her in Lincoln when she was Medical Director at LRC. She was a wonderful person with a beautiful, genuine and spirit. I am holding her family in prayer and wishing them peace and strength.
Bob, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
A beautiful person, provider, and friend. Incredible love for her family. Thanks for being you. Blessings Dave.
Oksana and Family: So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Our deepest sympathies go out to Natalie’s family. We will always remember her kind spirit.
I only had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Baker for a few short years, but in that time, it was easy to recognize what an amazing human being she was. I am sharing a poem from Max Lucado, that I think is comforting when we have a loss.
We don’t like to say goodbye to those whom we love. Whether it be at school or a cemetery, separation is tough. It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair. She had pain here. She has no pain there. She struggled here. She has no struggles there. You and I might wonder why God took her home. But she doesn’t. She understands. She is, at this very moment, at peace in the presence of God. When it is cold on earth, we can take comfort in knowing that our loved ones are in the warm arms of God. And when Christ comes, we will hold them to.
In the short time I knew Dr. Baker I came to realize it didn’t matter if you were one of her professional colleagues, an aged veteran, criminal or a mental health patient she treated everyone with dignity, respect and compassion. She will be remembered by many. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. Today he let the sun shine to a record temp of 80 degrees for this day in Omaha as his Angels welcome home Dr. Natalie Baker. May the family be at peace as God’s Angels 😇 surround you with love and prayers. 🙏
I feel like I have lost part of my soul. As a young adult in high school and college, she enriched my life beyond measure in so many ways. God Bless you, Natalka.
It is with heartfelt sadness 😢 that I learned of Dr. Baker’s passing. Whether you were a professional colleague, a next door neighbor, aging, disabled, prisoner,
friend or stranger Natalie treated everyone with respect, dignity, and a complete sense of worthiness and tried to bring out the “value” she believed we all had to offer. Today God made Natalie’s passing record setting temps at 80′ degrees and the midst beautiful day of this year. May the family find solace in that their mother, sister, and friend is loved and will be missed by many. Heaven has a new Angel 😇
It is with heartfelt sadness 😢 that I learned of Dr. Baker’s passing. Whether you were a professional colleague, a next door neighbor, aging, disabled, prisoner,
friend or stranger Natalie treated everyone with respect, dignity, and a complete sense of worthiness and tried to bring out the “value” she believed we all had to offer. Today in Omaha God made Natalie’s passing record setting temps at 80′ degrees and the most beautiful day of this year. May the family find solace in that their mother, sister, and friend is loved and will be missed by many. Heaven has a new Angel 😇
Bob I’m so sorry to hear this news. I didn’t know your wife but my heart, prayers and thoughts are with you and your children. Please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and my family. Friends and family can divide grief and multiply joy. I hope that you find comfort in the great number of people who love you.
Dr. Baker absolutely without a doubt saved my life. I will forever and ever be grateful to her for all that she did for me on my mental health journey. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Thank you, Dr. Baker
Dr. Baker absolutely without a doubt saved my life. I will forever and ever be grateful to her for all that she did for me on my mental health journey. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
Please except my condolences, your Daughter must have been an amazing person and she will be missed by many. I appreciate for letting me know.
I am so very sorry the world and your family lost Dr. Baker. She helped my husband when it didn’t seem like anything would work. She was so open and understanding and really listened to him and worked with him on the best medication and approach. She truly made both of us smile and know someone really cared. One of the BEST people
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