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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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Chapter F of the GWRRA Cedar Rapids on August 10, 2018 at 5:21 AM said:

Our condolences from Chapter F. Dean was a great guy and very supportive of us gold Winger's.
Larry (&Linda) Murphy on August 9, 2018 at 7:10 PM said:

My condolences Sue. Truly understand you have an army of both friends here and angels with Dean to support you through this.
First met Dean when he worked at KOEL and have admired his sense of capitalizing on opportunity coupled with a very strong, public faith. The absolute epitome of a great husband and life partner.
As a former Mayor, was so proud to help him complete the Destination Point PowerSports project. I remember him saying, "I am infected with a virus called entrepreneurship, I cannot ignore opportunities..." It was how he approached life.
God speed Dean...know you are watching the fruits of your life coming to bloom to help Sue through this...
larry
Eric and Debbie Frey on August 9, 2018 at 6:24 PM said:

We had the privilege to meet Dean for the first time back in April at the store. Our mutual friend the late Dale Hassman recommended we get together sometime and talk about voice-0vers, radio broadcast, and other communications issues, etc. Our visit was very enjoyable and we shared a lot of laughs and stories about things from the past. Our visit with Dean was as enjoyable as we were told it would be! To all of Deans family and friends, you all have our prayers for encouragement! Thankfully our Lord and Savior has better plans for Dean!! Just know that this NOT good-bye, but good night! Till we meet again in Gods Glory!
Jim and Lois Loughren on August 9, 2018 at 6:15 PM said:

Our sympathy Sue, Laura and the Church Community.
Dean was always so thoughtful and kind.
He will be greatly missed.
Anonymous on August 9, 2018 at 4:03 PM said:

My sympathy to you, Sue and family. Dean's passing hurts! I will so miss him. Next Friday the Odd Rods show and shine will have a Sound-Sendoff in his honor.
Sadly, Paul Ganske, president Oelwein Odd Rods.
Laval A. Peloquin, M.D. on August 9, 2018 at 1:25 PM said:

Dean is a great man. Even in his long illness, he found the strength to smile, encourage, and to serve.
I am privileged to be his customer and honored to be his friend.
Today you are with my Lord, Jesus.
We will meet again, Dean. Save me a seat.
Doc
Rev. James F Hanke on August 9, 2018 at 1:18 PM said:

Sue & family,
I had great respect for Dean as a pastor and a business man, he will be missed. My condolences.
Beth Kisner Taylor on August 9, 2018 at 9:36 AM said:

Sooo Very Very Sorry Sue for youUkA and your Family
Dick & Leann Knupp on August 9, 2018 at 9:18 AM said:

We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Dean was an enjoyable and honest business man to know. He had a smile and encouraging word when we saw him. May God comfort you in your loss and give you His peace.
Elmer Pearson on August 9, 2018 at 8:12 AM said:

We want to extend our Deepest Sympathies to you Sue and daughter Laura. We were so saddened to hear the news of his passing. He was always a pleasure to meet where ever
We always him being MC at the City Park on July 4th and many other events. Heaven gained a great man. May God Bless you and family and his many friends in this time of grief. Dean, R.I.P.
Ob and Dyette Molstre on August 9, 2018 at 8:10 AM said:

Sue, we are so deeply sorry to learn about Dean. Please know our prayers and warmest thoughts are with you and your family. What a privilege to have known him. He was a wonderful friend and a terrific business guy to work with. Our hearts are sad but we know Dean has begun a most glorious life with our Lord. We will meet again forever. God's blessings to you and your family.
With our love,
Ob and Dyette Molstre
Carol & Gary Wright on August 9, 2018 at 7:44 AM said:

Such sad news, he always had a smile on his face. Got to know Dean when he had the radio station & of course our many visits to Deans Honda. Thoughts & prayers go to his family.
Shirley Henry Weber on August 9, 2018 at 7:12 AM said:

My heart breaks for Dean’s family. You have my deepest sympathy. I heard such wonderful things about him from my brother. May his wife and daughter live on with all the great memories of the great man he was. I only met him once when he officiated my nephews funeral. Love and prayers to the family.
Paul & Sara (Cordes) Martin on August 9, 2018 at 5:24 AM said:

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dean’s family. We are so glad that we were able to spend a few minutes with him a couple of weeks ago. His kind words and caring attributes will always be remembered.
Jason Clemen on August 8, 2018 at 7:44 PM said:

Laura and Sue, I was so very heartbroken to hear the news of Deans passing. I loved hearing his commercials on the radio, he had such a great personality. Please know that my sincerest condolences go out to you and your family.

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