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Dean Schlitter
July 25, 1958 - August 6, 2018

Dean Schlitter, 60, of Oelwein passed away on Monday August 6, 2018.  Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Friday August 10, 2018 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home.  Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday August 11, 2018 at the Church of Christ United in Winthrop with Rev. Darwin Moore officiating.  A memorial fund has been established.

Dean Lloyd Schlitter was born July 25, 1958 in Decorah, IA to parents Robert and Ruth (Swenson) Schlitter.  He graduated from Allison-Bristow High School with the class of 1976.  He then attended and graduated from the Brown Institute in Minneapolis, MN with his degree in Broadcasting.  On May 27, 1978 he was united in marriage with Susan Koepke at Denver, IA.

Dean started his radio career at KXEL in Waterloo, then going to KOEL in Oelwein. He later worked for Terry L. Butz Creative, Hellman Advertising Agency and owned KQMG Magic 95.3 radio stations. He emceed for many nationally known music stars, including the Statler Brothers, the Lettermen and Barbara Mandrell. He was the voice of many commercials, including national Pontiac ads. He was a disc jockey for many weddings, parties and events. He began Dean's Honda in 2004, expanding to Dean's Destination Powersports in 2014. Dean was a Lay Speaker at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein and later became a Licensed Lay Pastor. In 2003, he began an interim term at Church of Christ United in Winthrop and they never let him go.

Dean had been involved in the Lions Club, Rotary International (Past President), Iowa United Methodist Foundation Board and Chair of the Iowa United Methodist Communications Department, and many other community activities.  He loved working on his model railroad, riding motorcycles when time allowed, cheering for the Packers,

grilling and cooking. Although he battled health issues for so many years, he kept a smile on his face and persevered. 

Left to celebrate Dean’s life is his wife Sue; daughter Laura Schlitter of Purmerend, The Netherlands; brother Dale (Tammy) Schlitter of Bartlett, IL; sister Jan (Terry) Tilleraas of Dodgeville, WI; sisters-in-law: Pam Youngblut of Denver, IA and Jenny (Tim) Woodman of Plainfield, IA; several cousins, nieces, nephews and his dear cat Buddy.  He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Paul and Evelyn Koepke; brother-in-law Randy Youngblut. 

 

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Tom Berryman on August 15, 2018 at 1:06 PM said:

My wife Sandra and I attended Lay Ministry School at Simpson College with Dean from 2002-2005 and found him a great leveling voice in some of the spirited discussions the class had. Truly a loss.
Sue McMurray Hummel on August 14, 2018 at 3:23 PM said:

Dean and I worked together at TLBCI. What a gentleman he was! I'll always remember his smile and great work ethic. Sue, you and Dean also hosted some friends and me on RAGBRAI long ago, when it passed through Oelwein. My heart goes out to you and Laura for this sad loss.
Anonymous on August 13, 2018 at 1:46 PM said:

Our deepest sympathy, Sue. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Darlene and Willard Mohling
Cheryl Saur Penne on August 13, 2018 at 1:03 PM said:

I'm so sorry, I just heard the news today. Dean was such an inspiration to so many. His love and kindness will never be forgotten. Thinking of all of you...
Lynnette Rochford on August 12, 2018 at 10:19 AM said:

Deeoest condolences, Sue and Laura. Dean was an incredibly talented guy who generously shared his talents with the community. His voice was made for radio, but he did so much more to spread goodness in the world. Sympathies and prayers to you and your extended family.
Gary and Sharon Rubino on August 12, 2018 at 7:11 AM said:

So sorry for your loss! Prayers to Dean and for his family!
Kathryn Osborne Thayer on August 10, 2018 at 8:01 PM said:

Dean is a friend of mine from the halls of Allison-Bristol High School, where I got to be his classmate from1973-1975. Dean showed me~as a new kid in town~acceptance, friendship, kindness and humor. He was a true friend to all... and oh, that great voice! My prayers will be faithful for his family~I am sad for this loss for them especially. I can also sense by all the various comments written by others here~that Dean will be deeply missed by all who have shared time with him through the years. Dean is Heaven's gain, for sure.
Gary and Betty Sickels on August 10, 2018 at 5:54 PM said:

Our deepest sympathy Sue and Laura . Dean will be missed !
Richard and Jean Osterhaus on August 10, 2018 at 4:03 PM said:

Bought our first Goldwing from Dean in 2006. He always had a good word and a smile. God will ride with you in heaven my friend.
Loretta Thompson on August 10, 2018 at 12:40 PM said:

Laura and Sue...so sorry to hear about your loss...Prayers for you all..
Dustin Smith on August 10, 2018 at 12:39 PM said:

As a young kid, I first to know Dean by his voice on the radio. It wasn't until many years later that I got to know Dean through our mutual interest of model railroading at a local hobby store. It was about the same time I met his daughter Laura while attending school. He was very passionate about model railroading and many other things too!

Highball Dean!


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My condolences to Laura and Sue.
Sheryl Gosse on August 10, 2018 at 10:06 AM said:

Thinking of you Sue & Laura,Dean was a good friend to many. You have a lot of support always, reach out to family and friends as needed.Cherish good memories always.
Dennis G. Huffman on August 10, 2018 at 9:22 AM said:

Sue,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing and talking to Dean when I came to the shop. I am truly going to miss him and all he has done for Lori and me. I know we are going to be seeing him again when the Lord calls us home. God Bless you and your family.
Jason and Stacy Paulsen on August 10, 2018 at 9:00 AM said:

Worked with Dean for many years in advertising and his voice would light up a room. He was a joy to work with with and had pleasure of riding with him. Sorry to hear for the Schlitter's family loss. He was a heck of a salesman and friend. Our family' thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Linda (and Larry) Murphy on August 10, 2018 at 6:15 AM said:

Dean had a smile in his voice, and what a great voice! He enjoyed great success, but he was not blinded by that. He was always attentive and sensitive to those he was with.
May God bless you with memories sprinkled with sunshine and joy.
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