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John Sears Obituary
December 7, 1944
February 5, 2013
John D. Sears died Tuesday, February 5, at home with his family. He was born December 7, 1944 in Decatur, Nebraska to Edgar Allison and Anne Marie (Gatewood) Sears. He attended one year of college at Creighton University and graduated from the University of South Dakota. On January 25, 1969, he married Kristen Gellerman in Rapid City, South Dakota. They lived in Rapid City until 2002 when they moved to Reno. He was employed at IGT until his retirement in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Kristen, daughter, Gyda and son Jeffrey (Karla) and two grandchildren, Harlow and John Eddy. Services will be Tuesday, February 12, at 11:00 am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. A memorial has been established to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Sears
JAMES W FARMER
August 19, 2022
I continue to miss John Sears. We had many good times together...I taught me lesson in living, like no other. He taught me that there are no bad breaks in life, just new opportunities. Save for his loss in my life, I will honor his message...
Kathleen Johnson
February 21, 2013
Kris and family
So sorry to hear about John's passing. It was a pleasure to work with him at Sodak. John had a great disposition in his leadership and it seemed that there were no strangers to him. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
February 20, 2013
So sad to learn of John's death. I have been briefed by Claudia. My heart reaches out to you Kris.
Roger Schmidt
February 13, 2013
Kris,
Many great memories of John and our days at USD. Our prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
February 12, 2013
Mr. Sears was a very nice man and a good person, I had the pleasure of helping him on his Mercedes at the dealership, I could see he was a car guy deep down, My deepest condolences to Mrs. Sears and your family.
Sincerely,
Joe Castleberry
Bernice Taylor
February 12, 2013
Kris,
My thought and Prayers are with you and your family.
Ray Zehr
February 12, 2013
Dear Kris,
John was a giant among men! A wonderful, husband, father, grandfather, leader and friend! He touched more lives than he will ever know and made the world a better place for so many. God now has some greater work to do and needs John's help. I so very much cherish the friendship, adventures and memories John and I shared at USD for four years ……
With my greatest sympathies to you and your family ….
Barbara Stoick
February 11, 2013
Kris and family, I am so very sorry. Kris, it was so good seeing you & John when you were in Rapid this fall. John's cronies were waiting for him, so the legislature is now back in Session. Gods love to all of you. Barb
Curtis Worrall
February 11, 2013
Dear Kris, Gyda and Jeff,
I am so sorry for your loss. John always new how to bring a smile to my frowning face. He will be truely missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Kristy Holbrook
February 11, 2013
My heart goes out to Kris, Jeff and Gyda. John was a wonderful man and I'm grateful to have had the priviledge to work for him.
Jay and Angel Stoltenburg
February 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of John Sears. It was truly a great pleasure to work with John during his entire career with Sodak/IGT. He was a true leader whom I learned a great deal from John throughout the years! He will be missed. Our prayers are with his family as they grieve their loss. Peace be with you....
Sue Erickson
February 11, 2013
Kris, Jeff an Gyda,
Sorry to hear of Johns death, he was a good man! Lots of fond memories with you all.
Jim Slattery
February 10, 2013
My sympathy to John's family and friends. I knew him both at Creighton and at USD. Had lost track but certainly have fond memories of sharing part of our youth.
Fr. Michael Sears
February 10, 2013
Dear Aunt Kris, Jeff and Gyda,
God bless you all. My condolences to you. Uncle John was a great man and a compassionate disciple of Christ. It seemed no matter who he was with he made them feel important and good about themselves.
He will be greatly missed
All my love and prayers.
His Nephew,
February 10, 2013
Dear Kris, Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Steve and Becky(Mead) Sargeant
Raye Jeanne (Fallbeck) Blundell
February 10, 2013
Dear Kris, I am so sorry to learn that John died; he was such a smart, savvy and personable man who had a great sense of public service, of business and a wonderful sense of humor. I treasure the time I worked at Dakota Typewriter with both of you. You and your family members are in my prayers.
Mark and Kay Crowl
February 10, 2013
Kris,
A note of love and caring following the loss of John. We have been remembering the days spent together in college and the times together since. Should have been more! You and your family are in our thoughts. May family, friends, and memories bring you comfort.
mary boyer
February 10, 2013
Dear Kris;
I am so sorry for your loss. John was such a joyous soul...brought laughter and happiness to so many in his life. Blessings to you and family. Mary m
Perk Beckmann (Lewis)
February 9, 2013
Dear Kris,
Our prayers and condolences are with you and your family. I have fond memories of Catechism with John in Decatur. Did you know according to 8th grader, John Sears, "Moses' brother, Aaron, was a centerfield for the Braves?" Sister laughed, too. When John was around, everything was fun.
Dennis and Perk Beckmann (formerly from Decatur)
February 9, 2013
Dear Kris,
You may not remember me. I was a fraternity brother and friend of John's. I wanted to send my condolences to you on your loss.
Tom Brazzell
MaryAnn Sien
February 9, 2013
Dear Kris, My deepest sympathy of the loss of your dear husband, John. He was a very kind man and will be truly missed by you and your family as well as everyone who knew him. Love--MaryAnn
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