Dr. Allen M. Stojkovic D.D.S has finally decided to hang-it-up after four decades as dentist in Mount Gilead.
Recently, Stojkovic D.D.S. received a proclamation of gratitude and thanks from Morrow County Commissioners, Tom Whiston and Richard Miller at his surprise retirement celebration at Cornerstone Restaurant.
Whiston thanked him for 40 years faithful service as a dentist and as an involved community member. He added that he has been a loyal example with his wife, Alberta and their children Jennifer and Anne and their families.
Stojkovic reminisced about the first months he came to Mount Gilead, fresh out of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, in the fall of 1975. He became associated with Dr. Robert George, D.D.S. and had just gotten married to Alberta.
“It was a lot of change for one year,” he said. “I had just finished dental college, got married and started a dental practice in a new town.”
He grew nostalgic as he recalled the many changes in Mount Gilead and the county over the past 40 years. He mentioned Kirk’s Drive-In (now Grill & Chill) where he got his first meal, Shirks’ Shoe Store, Purity Sweets, The Union Department Store and many other places that are long gone.
His daughter, Jennifer said that her dad has always been an example of hard work and how to live humbly. She said he always tried to treat everyone fairly.
“Mount Gilead has been a great place to raise our family and practice dentistry,” Stojkovic stated. “Dr. George always said everything will happen to you at least once in your practice – and he was right.”
Stojkovic is now referring his patients to Dr. Stephen Ritz, D.D. S. in Mount Gilead (Medicaid patients and those with Care Source and Molina will be referred to Marion Center Street Dental Clinic, Mansfield Third St. Clinic and The Ohio State University Dental Clinic in Columbus.)
Ritz has practiced General Dentistry in Mount Gilead since 1982. He received his dental degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Ritz lives in Morrow County in the Johnsville area with his wife Devera and their daughter, Katie who is a senior at Mansfield Christian High School.
The Ritz dental office can be reached at 419-947-9547, www.stephenritzdds.com and is located at 889 Meadow Drive in Mount Gilead.
Dr. Allen Stojkovic, D.D.S. at left is retiring and is referring patients
to Dr. Stephen Ritz, D.D.S. of Mount Gilead, right.
