News : Vinton native Duane Geater dies in Florida; founded electronics company

A Vinton native whose company eventually built radio equipment for the military helicopters used in the killing of Osama bin laden has died.

Duane Geater, a 1948 Vinton High School graduate, moved to Independence and started Geater Machining and Manufacturing in 1962. The company recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

He died Feb. 26, in Florida, where he had a residence on Chokoloskee Island. Funeral arrangements are pending with White Funeral Home of Independence.

During the recent 50th anniversary celebration, Geater company leaders talked about this history of the company, and how Duane Geater began creating electronic parts there in the 1960s. Through its partnership with Rockwell Collins, Geater has made several parts for the U.S. military, including the helicopters used to transport Navy SEALS to Bin Laden's compound.

Duane Geater retired in 1994, and was living in Florida at the time of his death, says classmate and Vinton resident Bob LaGrange.

Below is the official press release about the 50-year anniversary:

GMM Celebrates 50 years of Excellence in Manufacturing Independence, IA –This year marks the celebration of Geater Machining and Manufacturing, Co.’s 50 years in business. To help mark this special occasion, GMM will host a holiday party for all of its employees at the end of January as well as a customer, family and community open house this fall. GMM also has begun a project to expand their building and business by the end of 2012. In August 1962 Duane Geater moved to Independence, Iowa and started Geater Machining in the old Manual Training Shop at 102 3rd St. S.W. One employee was hired and in the next two years employment grew to 10 employees. On January 1, 1964, Geater incorporated the business and created Geater Machining, Co. In November 1964 the Manufacturing Division was established for the production of electronic controls, small assembly and sheet metal work. In July of 1965 Geater purchased a building located at 901 3rd Ave. S.E., which was formerly owned by Micro Switch. The building was 12,000 square feet, and in just over a year the company grew to 30 employees. Currently GMM is located at 901 12th St. N.E. Independence, Iowa. GMM built the 42,000 square foot building in 1976 and employment has grown to over 150. On January 1, 1994 Duane Geater retired and Scott Geater became President. In 1996 Jerry Bitterman was appointed Executive Vice President and in July of 2004 named CEO. In 2011 GMM appointed Joe Meier as Vice President of Operations. Also in 2011, GMM approved plans to add an additional 27,000 sq ft on to the existing facility which is to be completed in 2012. “The vision established by Duane Geater is a driving force for us today. Our commitment to our customers, our employees and our community defines us and our culture. Because of these commitments and our continued growth we are expanding again in 2012, our 50th year,” states CEO Jerry Bitterman. The project includes an expansion of 27,000 square feet and the addition of machinery and equipment, representing a $4.3 million capital investment. The company supplies precision machining, finishing, sheet metal fabrication, assembly and finishing operations for aerospace, electronics and other high-tech companies. Customers of GMM include Rockwell Collins, Crystal, Meggit, Woodward, Astronautics, General Dynamics, and Northrup Grumman. See another story about Geater's company HERE.