Michael Sears

Michael Lee Sears, age 63 years of Niles, Michigan, husband, father, grandfather, brother, machinist, and outdoorsman died unexpectedly at 9:34 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at his home with his family nearby.

He was born on February 6, 1960 in Niles to Gordon L. and Marie D. (Davis) Sears.  He was graduated from Niles High School, and was first employed at the former South Bend (Indiana) Lathe Works.  He was later employed at Delta Machining in Niles.  He has lived in Niles all of his life.

Mike enjoyed hunting for deer “up north” in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  He also enjoyed fishing in area lakes, both summertime and ice fishing, and for several years he maintained a cabin at Harwood Lake on the east edge of Cass County, Michigan.

On October 7, 1988 in Niles he married the former Nancy Ann Freeman with whom he celebrated last year the thirty-fourth anniversary of their wedding.  They were sadly preceded in death by a son, Kenneth James Sears on September 21, 2012; and a grandson, Kenny’s son, Ethan Charles Sears on June 27, 2013.  Mike was also preceded in death by his parents, and by Nancy’s brother, Charles Ray Freeman.

Surviving family includes his wife, Nancy Sears and their son, Kyle Lee Sears; grandsons Lucas James Sears and Landon Matthew Sears; Mike’s sister, Diane Sears and brother, Kenneth James Sears; Nancy’s siblings, Jacqueline Rudolph, Barry Freeman, and Sandra Preston; and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Mike Sears will gather at his graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery to share memories and honor his life at a later date, which will be announced here.  Those willing to assist the family with these final expenses may do so – without administrative fees – by using an icon on this webpage.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Mike loved life, was a talented machinist and faithful employee, enjoyed the outdoors during all the changing seasons, and – even through several family tragedies – was a faithful father and husband through the seasons of life.