Saxon, WI - David W. Sears 72, passed away unexpectedly at his Saxon home on Thursday, June 20, 2019.          Dave was born in Ashland, WI, to William and Frances (Mashl) Sears on November 11, 1946. He attended the Saxon H/S where he lettered in basketball and other sports. He was the salutatorian in the last graduating class from Saxon in 1964 (before the merger with the Hurley H/S). On October 19, 1991, he married Mary Loreti (from Hurley, WI) in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.       From 1964-71 Dave worked in Ashland, WI at HYBOB, then for Beloit Woodlands under George Manninen, where he assisted George in developing the first accounting system for the company. George recommended Dave to the Lake Superior District Power Company which was the start of Dave's career in  mid June 1971. He worked out of Ashland until 1982 and then moved to Eau Claire and continued to work for the power company through various mergers. Dave retired after 33 1/2 years in June, 200       Upon his retirement, he and Mary returned to Saxon, Wisconsin. He loved his dogs, bowling, golfing, gardening, growing vegetables, and cooking his infamous “Hagar Burgers”.  He loved entering sweepstakes, to some, he was known as “Mr. Sweepstakes”. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories or jokes to make his friends laugh. He was devoted to his wife, Mary; and took exceptional care of her. People would say that Dave and Mary were a team -- “Sears & Nobucks”.      Dave was a super sport fan; the Packers and the Brewers were at the top of his list. He was also a weekly attendee of the Monday night meat raffle at the Saxon Pub. He was a current fraternal member of the Elks Lodge #402 in Eau Claire and a previous member of the Lions Club in Saxon.      To know Dave was to love him. Friends say he was a loveable gentle giant teddy bear, a wonderful man who was intelligent, had a mighty wit, a kind heart, a crazy sense of humor, a heartfelt laugh that came from the bottom of his belly, a genuine smile with a twinkle in his eyes and a mellow voice. He and Mary were not blessed with children; however, he twice graciously took on the responsibility as “Father of the Bride” while in Eau Claire. Mary says, yes Dave was a kind, gentle man, who always put her first, a great provider and one of a kind. He was “The Wind Beneath My Wings" and now he’s an" Angel Watching Over Me”.   David was preceded in death by his parents, his devoted mother-in-law, Frances Loreti, and an infant nephew.   He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 27 years; brothers/sisters-in-law, Jim (Tami) Loreti of Suamico, WI, Greg (Mary Grace) Loreti of Ironwood, MI, Frank Loreti of Rhinelander;WI, Patricia (Tom) Henrich of Green Bay, Wis.; and at home three "boys",( Blakee , Bopper, and Blaze), numerous cousins; eleven nieces/nephews; fifteen great-nieces/nephews; and numerous friends,     Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 3pm-7pm at the Saxon Community Center (Church St).      Mary would like to thank first responder, Kristine Wozniak, members of the Saxon Fire Department, Beacon Ambulance, and Sam Mosher & employees of      McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, MI who are assisting.