John T. Sears

John T. Sears, 72, of Mason City, IA, died Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at Victory In Christ Free Methodist Church, 604 23rd Street SW, with Rev. Charlie West officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Friday, April 22, 2016, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Interment will take place in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association. Memorials may be directed to the John Sears memorial fund in care of the family.

John Thomas Sears was born September 7, 1943, in Mason City, the son of Guymon and Virginia (Quincy) Sears. He attended Emery Country School before enlisting in the U.S. Army. John proudly served his country from 1961 – 1964. On August 18, 1990, he married Leota Schaer at St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City. John worked for the Clear Lake Police Department before becoming employed with Northwestern Cement Plant and retiring in 1992. John enjoyed spending time with and taking care of his wife and family. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, playing/telling jokes, playing checkers with his grandchildren, and telling stories – especially campfire stories. He was a member of Victory In Christ Free Methodist Church.

John is survived by his wife of 25 years: Leota Sears of Mason City, 9 children: Carole Query of Mason City, John Sears Jr. of Council Bluffs, IA, Theresa Cheever and husband Todd of Dubuque, IA, Nick West and wife Cheryl of Mason City, Charlie West and wife Julie of Mason City, Tim Anderson and wife Tammie of Mason City, Jim Anderson and wife Stacey of Mason City, Stephanie Gorder and Mark Graff of Mason City, and Jamie Anderson and wife Amy of Mason City; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 1 sister: Opal Sears of Mason City.

John was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and great-grandson.