Kal Sears, of North Platte, passed away at the Sutherland Care Center on Thursday, January 31, 2019, just shy of his 82nd birthday. Kal was born on February 8, 1937 in North Platte, Nebraska, where he spent most of his life, and was one of four children born to Fred Harmon and Rada Roselie (Silvrants) Sears. After graduating from North Platte High School with the Class of 1955, Kal enlisted in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed his Army expreience and being on the Army Boxing Team.
With his Army experience over, he took his honorable discharge and returned home in 1958. He went to work for the Post Office, that was followed by a job in a motel. Then he landed a position on the Union Pacific Railroad working as a Clerk and Patty Wagon Driver. The railroad kept him employed for 30 years and 11 months.
The Railroad wasn’t too bad of a job, it gave a pay check every two weeks, days off, sick days, insurance and time to do what he loved best – hunting. Kal was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed his time fishing, hunting or sitting in a goose blind or up a tree. He loved taking trips with his son hunting wild boar in Texas or Arizona, elk and deer in Colorado and Wyoming, and fishing in Canada. He was a member of the Nebraska Bow Hunters Association as well as various conservation groups, a life member of the North America Hunting Club, and a member of Eagles Aerie #2839.
In 1964, Kal married Marge Arensdorf. They had two children, Roger and Roxie, and later divorced but remained friends. Kal later had a close companionship with Donna Fair for over 34 years.
Kal loved being outside to see sunrises, sunsets and nature at its best. He enjoyed writing about his experiences and was proud that some were published in magazines. Kal was truly one of a kind. He had a story for everything and a knack for telling it. He loved cooking, especially what he shot or caught, going to garage sales and having his own each year, his kids and his little buddy, Sam. Kal will definitely be missed by those who knew him best.
He is survived by his son, Roger Sears and companion, Kim Arnold, of Paxton; his daughter, Roxie Jochum and companion, Tracy Hilker, of Kearney and her sons, Anthoini and Tyson of Lincoln; sister, Darlen Kratzenstein of Brady; brother and sister-in-law, Don & Jan Sears of North Platte; sister-in-law, Delores Sears of Hastings; special grandkids, Brittanie and husband, Nathan Nelson, and Bryce Obermeier of North Platte; great-grandkids, Makenna, Alexis and Garrett; special neighbors and friends, Ron & Carmen Meyer, Jessica Lemon, Rick & Dodie Odean, Lynn & Boni Hothan, Bill Mulligan, C.J. Lynes, Jerry McIntosh and Willie Greve; many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Kal was preceded in death by his parents, Fred & Rada; brother, Dale Sears; brother-in-law, John Kratzenstein; and his buddy, Sam.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. Hunting, camouflage or casual dress is requested. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitaion will be from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday at Oden Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of the arrangements. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com. Instead of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte Animal Shelter in Sam’s name or the MS Society in Roxie’s name.