Gary L. Zeitler, 63, of Britt, Iowa, who served as product manager for Original Saw Co., died Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, after battling lung and bone cancer.

Zeitler was described by friend, and industry colleague, Robert Eelman of New Jersey-based Eelman Machinery Inc., as an "incredible fount of knowledge in the woodworking machinery world, plus a real character. Gary was a great guy whose knowledge and technical expertise [were] key to the production of the Original Saw's quality product line."

Zeitler was employed at the Original Saw Company in Britt for 25 years before retiring. In a brief bio on Original Saw Company's website, written before his death, the company said of Zeitler: "With [25] years of experience at Original Saw Company under his belt, Gary is an expert at all things mechanical. As production manager, Gary oversees production and workflow. With his extensive knowledge of electronics and troubleshooting, he continues to be an expert in his field. He has vast experience in troubleshooting and tech support. 

Zeitler was born Sept. 3, 1961, in Moline, Illinois. After graduating from East Moline High School, he served in the U.S. Army and National Guard. Following his discharge, he worked various jobs in the Moline area. He then moved to Britt, and worked for a drain and tile company. Later, he worked at Smidley Manufacturing, a Britt-based manufacturer of livestock products. 

On Oct. 21, 2000, he married Barbara Cravens in Wesley, Iowa. They made their home in Britt. He enjoyed listening to 70’s music, restoring old cars, watching the TV shows Deadliest Catch and Alaska Gold Rush, and doing carpentry work for his family and friends.

Zeitler is survived by his wife; three children, Joanne Zeitler of Britt, Andrew Zeitler of Fort Dodge, and Marie Jones of Pennsylvania; a stepdaughter, Shelby Cravens of Knoxville, Iowa; and five grandchildren, Levi, Julian, Malakye, Ivry, and Mya.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, January 11, at Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Military rites will be conducted by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. To see a PDF of the ceremony's program, click here.