Michael Wayne Sears, 61, died on May 10, 2021, at CHI Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital in Missouri Valley. He was born on Aug. 21, 1959, to Harold and Leda (Hollins) Sears in Council Bluffs. He attended school in Council Bluffs and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1978. Michael worked at Kresgee’s Dime Store and Richmond Gordman’s while in Council Bluffs. On July 27, 1979, Michael met the love of his life, Rhonda Martin, while at Nelson’s Park outside of Dunlap and they were married on June 26, 1982, at the Onawa Christian Church. The couple lived in Onawa for a short time, as well as south of Council Bluffs, before making their home in Missouri Valley in 1987. They were blessed with two children, Rachel and Adam. Michael helped his friend Lloyd Athay with his plumbing business and cleaned at the Church of Christ and St. Patrick Catholic School in Missouri Valley. In 1991, Michael started his long-time career with the Logan Magnolia school as a custodian. He was with the school for 28 years, until he was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago.
Mike spent many years attending the Missouri Valley Church of Christ where he was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and helped with the youth group. He also became a boy scout leader for his son, Adam. Later, Michael and his family enjoyed attending the Congregational Church in Dunlap. Michael loved classic cars. He was known to be a “Dodge Man” but also cherished his 1974 Nova. He spent a lot of time fishing, going to car shows, watching TV and listening to the ‘good old rock’ which included Boston, Kansas and Journey. Michael grew to be an animal lover and he shared his home with the family pets: two cats, Oliver and Cozmo and his beloved dogs, Rebel and Obi. He was a fighter, having beaten leukemia, which included a bone marrow transplant. More than anything, Michael cherished the time he was able to spend with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Michael was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; and nephew, Steven Sears. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Sears of Missouri Valley; children, Rachel and husband Bud Flaitz of Woodbine and Adam Sears and significant other Samantha Bonham of Missouri Valley; grandchildren, Lilyann, Brenen and David; mother, Leda Sears of Council Bluffs; siblings, Steve Sears and wife Laurie of Council Bluffs, Pam and Bob Cox of Council Bluffs and Judy Melby and significant other Tim of Goldsboro, N.C.; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on May 15, 2021, at Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine. Pastor Gene Kline presided over the service. Don Martin sang “In The Garden” and was accompanied by Nancy Foutch. The recorded musical selections were “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns, “More Than A Feeling” by Boston and “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me. The honorary pallbearers were Lilyann Flaitz, Brenen Flaitz, David Brady, Bud Flaitz, Kenny Marth, Derrek Melby, Zach Melby and Tommy Melby and the pallbearers were Steve Sears, Don Martin, Robbie Davis, Levi Blunk, Dan Martin, Terry Blunk, Clayton Marth, Curtis Marth, Jeremy Cox and Chris Cox. Michael’s final resting place is at the Magnolia Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
