On March 24, 2013, the dental industry lost a revered leader, colleague and friend, Norbert Duepner. Norbert joined the Argen family as Technical Director over 27 years ago and leaves in his legacy one of the strongest Technical Support Departments operating in the dental landscape today. Known throughout the industry, Norbert was a highly respected professional who developed relationships with dental laboratories worldwide. Norbert possessed the unique ability to tailor technical solutions to customer needs and approached each call with individualized care and a kind and cheerful demeanor. He was a cornerstone at Argen serving customers until Friday, March 22nd, just short of his 81 birthday.
"I am very saddened by this sudden loss, but I am so thankful for the 27 years I had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with Norb," commented Anton Woolf, CEO of The Argen Corporation. "Norb was literally a giant in the dental industry and respected by everyone who knew him. We are so grateful to Norb for his incredible passion, care, and loyalty."
In 1959 Norbert received his certification as Certified Dental Technician (CDT) from Northwestern University. Prior to his time with Argen, his long-standing career included 2 years with the United States Army Dental Lab, Management positions with several porcelain and dental lab departments throughout the Midwest and lab owner for 11 years. Norbert was 1 of an elite group of only 56 individuals in the United States who held the title of Master CDT and 1 of 8 individuals who hold 50 Year CDT's. In 2010, The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) named Norbert 2010 CDT of the Year, an honor to the many years of support that Norbert dedicated to laboratories worldwide.
The outpouring of respect for Norbert reaffirms the passion and dedication he had for his work and customers. Norbert's honest and genuine character had a lasting effect on the lives of many. He was always available to help with technical issues and, in the spirit of a true educator, was happy to share his knowledge with the novice and seasoned dental professional alike. You may say that he was the magic ingredient to Argen's technical department's success.
Norbert dedicated his life to continued education. Join the Woolf Family and The Argen Corporation in honoring Norbert's life passion by donating to the NADL's Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology (FDLT) Pillar Scholarship Program. FDLT Pillar Scholarships are awarded to individuals applying to earn their CDT or CDT's who wish to obtain an additional specialties. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Norbert, please visit www.dentallabfoundation.org and click "Donate Now." You may download a pledge form or make a donation online. If donating online please check the box "In memory of Norbert Duepner, Master CDT." If manually completing a donation form, please indicate that the pledge is made "In memory of Norbert Duepner, Master CDT".
Argen has also created a website for anyone who would like to leave a memorial tribute or story of how Norbert touched your life. Please visit http://norbert-duepner.forevermissed.com/.
Norbert was an integral member of the Argen Family, his gentle spirit, kind smile and presence will be deeply missed.
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