SIDNEY -- Stories were shared and commendations given as Dr. Richard Jantz retired from Sidney Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Jantz, a cardiologist, is board certified in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular disease. He has been holding clinics in Sidney for about 38 years. His practice in Sidney is likely related to having a nurse on staff from the Sidney area, he said during the March 2 reception.

"I went to medical school in Kansas," he said.

Initially, he planned to enter family practice. As time went on, he was drawn to treatment of heart issues. He said that was before all of the sub-specialties in medicine.

He started a heart transplant program in the Denver, Colo., area. That is also where he met his wife. He began getting referrals from the Sidney area, which then developed into holding clinic hours in Sidney in 1985.

"We can't begin to imagine what was going through your head as an ambitious your surgeon in 1985," said Kristin Narjes during a presentation at the March 2 reception.

He was commended for his patient care and detail in note-taking.

In addition to his work at SRMC, e also developed a flight program for doctors.

He and his wife Kelly live in Centennial, Colo.