Fred M. Lear, 88, of Rock Island, IL passed away on July 12th, 2024, at Silver Cross Nursing Home.

A private family celebration of life will be held later to honor Fred's life. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island.  Memorials may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or Wounded Warrior's Project.  Both of which he supported.

Fred was born March 17th, 1936, to Fred and Maybel Dyer- Lear.  He married the love of his life, Carol A. Johnson on June 14th, 1958, and was married for 68 years.  Fred was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Fred was a graduate of Rock Island High School and then Augustana College.  He was a standout baseball player at both.  Fred served in the Army as a communication specialist.

He taught in the East Moline School system for 30 years.  Fred was a decades long member of First Lutheran Church in Rock Island, singing in the choir and bowling for his church league.  He enjoyed traveling, especially his annual trips to Colorado with his family, golfing with his son and grandchildren, cheering on the Cubs and Bears and spending time with his wife.

Fred will be fondly remembered for his love and support of his family.  He set a wonderful example, and he will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; children, Chris (Lyn) Lear, Lori Landbo (Tom Baker); grandchildren, Sydney Lear and Ethan Lear; and brother and sister-in-law, David Johnson and Ginny (Fred) Behnken.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 11 siblings; Roy Lear, Glenn Lear, Fran Lear, Helen Smith, Faye Hannon, Ruth Kenney, Mary Rothwell, Janet Young, Nina Lindley, Zelma Miles and Jeanne Jackson.

Condolences may be left for the family on Fred's tribute wall.