William "Bill"

G. Sears

William G Sears (Bill) passed away on July 1st, 2026. He lived the way he died- his own way.

He was born in Decatur, Il on Feb. 2, 1931, to Grace (McQuality) and Henry Sears.

He grew up in Decatur and in high school was only lockers away from his high school sweetheart, Mary Soules. He was on the football team and in the summers worked as a dock boy on Lake Decatur. Bill and Mary married in June 21, 1951.

He enlisted in the Navy from 1950-1954. He was stationed in San Diego, CA and served on the USS Curtis. After his service he used the GI Bill to attend and graduate from Milliken University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to serve as a design and drafting engineer for Wabash and later was promoted to sales for the Norfolk and Western Railroads. The family lived in Decatur, Michigan City, IN, Butler, PA, before settling in Naperville, IL retirement, Bill and Mary moved to Lake Mills, WI.

He traveled, became an avid fisherman and a golfer. He and Mary shared their love of nature with family by sharing their cabin on Lake Vermilion in Cook, MN for many summers.

He leaves behind his daughters, Jeanne and Janne (Don Oldham), his grandsons, Steve (Dunja) and Chris Nykamp and two great grandchildren, Henry and Harper.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, in 2014, and daughter Jill (O'Donnell) in 1996.

A small family celebration has been held to honor his life.

The family wishes to thank Rainbow Hospice for their wonderful care. Memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, WI or an organization of your choice.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com