joe o'weger, thank you!

your beautiful words truly capture the essence of who my dad was.. and are worthy of repeating.

"I got one of those phone calls that you absolutely dread. This man, Don Schlitz had a profound impact on my life. I wish we could have one more phone call, one more visit, one more beer one more laugh...... Your spirit LIVES, my friend! But, the hole is huge. God bless you and your family.

The light of the world is a little dimmer today -- it lost a wonderful man who brought smiles, humor, laughter, and love wherever he appeared. A truly genuine, caring gentleman! A remarkable husband, father of 10 children. And a person whom I’ve known for over 45 years. A person I met in business who took me under his arm, made me a better person!! Over the years I have plagiarized so much positive thoughtfulness I heard him speak. He was a beauty! Never at a loss for making you smile when in his presence. There is no doubt that heaven just got a little brighter and an extra element of fun has just begun in the Kingdom. Saying good bye to this special person is hard. I would love to see the reunion in heaven. Godspeed to you. Thank you for your wonderful leadership you gave to your family and your friends. You have given me so much friendship, counsel, joy, and laughter. Your spirit will live on and on -- I will be sure of that as long as I am able. I Love You, Don, It was an absolute pleasure, privilege, and honor to say I knew you. May God Bless your family during this time of sadness.

What I learned knowing you is simply profound!! Some of his quotes ;

-When it comes to taste there is no right or wrong

-The best gift you can give your children is to love their mother

-Change is inevitable growth is optional

-If you’re not with us you’re against us.

-You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar

- Be kind to people

- Top Priorities in order: God, Family, Work.

And, Many more gifts from Don were given to me over many years. Not only material gifts but spiritual gifts that personally enriched me and my wife’s life. He gave us the courage to look at life with laughter, love, and kindness to all. He was a part of my development and Don, Gerry and their children always treated me, my wife Ellen and my family as Family. He was My champion. He found the strength in me that I did not know, in business he was a great mentor and teacher.

I look forward to seeing you again someday.

God bless you"

I spent half of my dental career working for Don Schlitz.  They were my most successful and enjoyable years in the dental industry.  Don showed me how to combine business with pleasure and stressed the importance of family’s inclusion with business.  Don let the “Boy from Bayonne” stay in Jersey while achieving his successes.  He also hired Jersey Boy’s father to work with them for 11 years.  ( family importance).

When Don left Bayer/ Miles, any chance of that company rising to become one of the top tier dental companies left with Don.  

This year the man, Joe Lancelotti, who introduced me to Don and was instrumental in my employment with Columbus Dental passed away.  Like Joe, Don was loved and respected and will be missed and never forgotten. 

Ave Atque Vale

Tom and Betty Degnan

Dear Gerry,

So very sorry and saddened to learn of Don’s homegoing. To you, the children, and grands, Carol and I send you our deepest sympathy and condolences. Our prayer for all of you is for peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time. 

Though it has been years, and unfortunately not that often, we still carry fond memories of the times we had together. The time when you all lived in Jersey, as we did, and were moving…goodness knows where…and Joe, Joanne, Carol and I came up to help carry and load the truck. And, playing charades at your house, boys vs. girls, you “ladies” always winning…..we knew you all were cheating🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ .  And that great ADTA meeting, wherever, talent show where you and Don did the “good ship lollipop “ and you seriously out performed Don🤣🤣. Everyone was fawning over you and Donnie boy was not happy🥰🥰. 

May our loving God blanket you with His comforting love in the weeks and months ahead.

Dean and Carol

To Gerry and family,

I was sad to hear of Don's passing.  Wow!  What a life fully lived!  Don was very much a gentle-man...he had a great heart for people, and I NEVER once, ever, heard him raise his voice in anger toward anyone.  I have nothing but fond memories of my time working for Don very early in my career...it was a blessing. 

Gerry, I know your faith supports you (and your family) at this time. As always, He is able!!  You know where Don is now, and I know you find great comfort in that knowledge!!

With warmest regards,

Kerry

I’m very sorry to hear of Dons passing. He was a great leader. He was the type of person you didn’t want to disappoint because he motivated you to do your best.  I measure all my bosses from how Don managed his team. Most have fallen short 

I remember partying at the landing in St. Louis years ago and who walks up to me was Don Schlitz walking with a nun. They were doing a neighborhood watch. 

My first real job out of college was with  a company called Columbus Dental.  Don was running this company and we had our National sales meeting (my first ever) in Key West.  One night we had a company cruise in costumes. I got to my room to see what my costume was and it was a loin cloth.  I’m the goof in the picture in a loin cloth.  Little did I know. That was and will always be the best National sales meeting I will ever have. 

Don enjoy heaven. You have finally found the fountain of youth.

I got one of those phone calls that you absolutely dread. This man, Don Schlitz had a profound impact on my life. I wish we could have one more phone call, one more visit, one more beer one more laugh...... Your spirit LIVES, my friend! But, the hole is huge. God bless you and your family.

The light of the world is a little dimmer today -- it lost a wonderful man who brought smiles, humor, laughter, and love wherever he appeared. A truly genuine, caring gentleman! A remarkable husband, father of 10 children. And a person whom I’ve known for over 45 years. A person I met in business who took me under his arm, made me a better person!! Over the years I have plagiarized so much positive thoughtfulness I heard him speak. He was a beauty! Never at a loss for making you smile when in his presence. There is no doubt that heaven just got a little brighter and an extra element of fun has just begun in the Kingdom. Saying good bye to this special person is hard. I would love to see the reunion in heaven. Godspeed to you. Thank you for your wonderful leadership you gave to your family and your friends. You have given me so much friendship, counsel, joy, and laughter. Your spirit will live on and on -- I will be sure of that as long as I am able. I Love You, Don, It was an absolute pleasure, privilege, and honor to say I knew you. May God Bless your family during this time of sadness.

What I learned knowing you is simply profound!! Some of his quotes ;

-When it comes to taste there is no right or wrong

-The best gift you can give your children is to love their mother

-Change is inevitable growth is optional

-If you’re not with us you’re against us.

-You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar

- Be kind to people

- Top Priorities in order: God, Family, Work.

And, Many more gifts from Don were given to me over many years. Not only material gifts but spiritual gifts that personally enriched me and my wife’s life. He gave us the courage to look at life with laughter, love, and kindness to all. He was a part of my development and Don, Gerry and their children always treated me, my wife Ellen and my family as Family. He was My champion. He found the strength in me that I did not know, in business he was a great mentor and teacher.

I look forward to seeing you again someday. God bless you, Gerry and your family.

Love from,

Joe O’Weger