Tom Sears

Thomas Railsback Sears passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2023 in Bettendorf, Iowa

The Sears family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the nurses and staff of Genesis Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House who cared for Tom in his final weeks.

Tom was born on February 4, 1953 in Moline, Illinois, a son of Dr. Lewis Neasham Sears, SR. and Mary Railsback Sears.

Over the years of his life some of Tom’s most cherished memories were of time spent at Deer Lake, Minnesota with family.  He loved grilling, boating, swimming, and fishing, most especially with his daughter, Chelsea.

Tom also had many friends he loved as family.  He enjoyed motorcycle rides and Tuesday evening dinners at Bent River Brewing Company in the great company of those friends.

Tom had many Springer Spaniels during his life. He always found peace and contentment caring for his dogs and taking them on walks in Riverside Cemetery on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi.

In Tom’s final days he dedicated his remaining energy to the company of his grandchildren.  Their vibrance and laughter brough him eternal happiness.

Some of his final words to his daughter were “There is magic to life.  We need to appreciate the blessings.  The greatest being love.”

Tom is survived by his daughter Chelsea Sears Vandersnick (Kane) of Annawan and their children: Emmy, Grace, and Jack; his older brother Lewis Neasham Sears II (Sharon) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and their children Lewis, Kate, and Amy; his older sister, Judith Sears Gelaude (David) of Savannah, Georgia, and their children: David, Anne, and Sarah; and his younger sister and best friend, Nancy Sears Mayer (Steve) of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, and their children: Mark, Peter, Andrew, and Mary.

In lieu of services, the Sears family will be holding a celebration of life in Grand Rapids, Minnesota at Deer Lake at a later date.  Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deer Lake Association in Tom’s memory.

http://deerlakeassociation.org/