Larry Zeitler, 82, of Chelsea, Alabama, formerly of Geneseo, IL, passed away on June 14, 2024. The Zeitler family wishes to invite our relatives and friends to celebrate Larry’s life with a visitation on Saturday June 29, 2024, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel at 580 E. Ogden Avenue in Geneseo, Illinois. A graveside service will be held immediately following the visitation at the Ontario Cemetery, rural Oneida, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers foundation (www.T2T.org). Online condolences for the family may be left on the funeral home's website at https://www.vandemorefuneralhome.com/.
He was born on November 23, 1941, to Harold and Irma Zeitler in Douds, Iowa. Larry was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was preceded in death by his parents, wife Susan Zeitler and oldest son Todd Zeitler. He is survived by sister Beverly (Steve) Keeler, first wife Wanda Zeitler of Springboro, OH and their children, Eric (Sherry) Zeitler of Eagle, Idaho, Tara (Scott) Hinton of Geneseo, Illinois, Erin (Jennifer) Zeitler of O'Fallon, Illinois, and Tori (Paul) Eden of Springboro, Ohio. He is also survived by stepchildren; Michael Fox of Birmingham, AL and Heather (Chris) VandeVoorde of Chelsea, AL. Larry has eleven surviving grandchildren and two step grandchildren.
Upon graduation from high school, Larry married, started a family (five “ginger” children) and while working full-time in the insurance industry attended and graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa. In 1966 he began his John Deere career in Ottumwa, Iowa. Larry advanced quickly in the organization and relocated in 1977 to the PDC Deere facility in Milan, Illinois. He enjoyed hiring and mentoring the next generation of leaders and sharing his knowledge and experience to drive the workplace culture. Larry completed his 40-year John Deere career as the parts distribution supervisor and expert in systems management in 2006.
Following his successful professional career with John Deere, Larry started an eBay business hobby that quickly became a passion. He expanded his business over the years to include selling on multiple additional websites and delighting his hundreds of followers and buyers. “Mister eBay” as he was known in his community helped educate neighbors, friends and acquaintances about the opportunities he enjoyed.
Larry was a man of principle, high integrity and honor. He valued hard work, dedication and commitment to his word. He will be forever missed for his quick wit, mentorship and advice.