Donald “Don” Bear

Donald “Don” Bear

Cedar Rapids

Donald Gene Bear passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the age of 87.

Don was born to Harold and Irene (Schmoldt) Bear on Aug. 8, 1935, at home in Cedarville, Ill. A high school graduate, he went to work for the Illinois Central Railroad at the age of 16. He started out as a laborer and retired as a mechanical foreman. Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus 909, including holding the role of Grand Knight and was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church for over 55 years as a parishioner, eucharistic minister and member of the choir. Don was also an avid golfer for many years. He was a constant presence on the local courses and was proud of his many accomplishments on the links, including a three-time City Amateur Senior Division Champion of Cedar Rapids.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Penny (Reed) Bear; and by his children, Vicky (Dave) Busker of Freeport, Ill., Kip Bear of Monroe, Wis., Madonna (Daniel) Miller of St. Louis, Mo., Michelle (Greg) Johnson of Marion, Iowa, and Donald H. (Shannon) Bear of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus 909 from 3:30 to 4 p.m. and a Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, with a luncheon immediately following in Scotus Hall. Committal Service will be at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport, IL at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 5.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church.