Don Richard Schlitz was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Robert and Hazel Schlitz. After graduating from St. John Cathedral Catholic High School, he entered the Dominican and Salesian Religious Orders but later decided to serve God as a lay teacher instead. Don married his beloved wife Geraldine ("Gerry") Gauthier in 1961 while a teacher at St. John's grade school. He continued teaching until he and Gerry began their family in 1963. 

Don began his business career at Coca Cola in Chicago.
His excellence as a teacher prepared him well, and he excelled in sales, training, and hiring and advanced up the corporate ladder. He continued his career in the dental field, ultimately as President of Bayer Dental, USA.  

A lifelong adventurer, Don traveled across the globe, moved his family 21 times, did business on six different continents, and made friends in dozens of countries, from Japan to Australia to Germany. His final adventure was as a worldwide traveler with Abrasive Technology. 

Don was a wonderful performer, not only in the classroom, but also on stage. After his retirement, he performed with Rome Little Theatre and had roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hair Spray, Charlotte's Web, 12 Angry Men, and Annie. 

Don was a man of deep faith and a committed Catholic. His faith led him to work with the homeless on the city streets of St. Louis, to teach the Catholic faith, to tutor youth, to participate in and lead parish activities and fundraisers, and to perform in theatrical presentations.  Ever the teacher, Don's latest participation was teaching a 2 year Confirmation Class at St. Mary's  Catholic Church in Rome.

Together, Don and Gerry had a large family, including ten children and one adopted son. In the Schlitz household, family was always first. Traditions like the Hallelujah Chorus on Christmas mornings, Christmas Eve pancakes and presentations, and "pizza, candy bar, and soda night" on Friday evenings continue to be celebrated by their children. Don loved holidays and special occasions. He and Gerry called each of their children and sang to them on their birthdays and attended hundreds of their football and soccer games, track and cross-country meets, graduations, and many other events. 

Don will be remembered above all as a family man. He cherished Gerry, his wife of 60 years, and was beloved by his children and grandchildren. He led an extraordinary life filled with faith, adventure, and love. The sun will surely come out tomorrow as he is reunited with his Father in heaven. 

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