Donald Nelson Sears

Donald Sears, 85, of Bay City, Wisconsin, died Sunday, October 2, 2011 at the Red Wing Health Center in Red Wing after a brief illness. He was born on April 24, 1926 in Red Wing to Henry and Emma (Nelson) Sears. He attended schools in Ellsworth and then started farming on the family farm at the age of 16. In the 1950's he began to jockey used cars on Lake Street in Minneapolis. In 1971 he acquired Walker Motors representing Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In 1974 new facility was built in Minnetonka, called Sears Imported Autos, where he continued selling Mercedes-Benz and BMW's along with Rolls Royce and Peugeot automobiles. He also owned Metropolitan Porsche Audi in Maplewood for 15 years. At the time of his death he was exclusively selling Mercedes-Benz. He was a member of Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Esdaile, Wisconsin and over the years he was a great supporter to many charitable organizations. He was famous for many sayings, such as, "Hey, let me tell you something"; "That's why you have to make a lot of money" and "Hey, you aren't doing anything are you?"

He is survived by his wife Eldora; children, Joanne (Don) Davidson of Minnetonka, Dale (Kathy) Sears of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, Gary (Debbie) Sears of Ellsworth, Wisconsin and Kevin Sears of Bay City, Wisconsin; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday, October 6, 2011 at United Lutheran Church, 628 West 5th Street, Red Wing with Reverend Mary Eide officiating. Burial will be at Esdaile Cemetery in Esdaile, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, 602 Plum St., Red Wing and for one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials are preferred to the Eidsvold Lutheran Church, W6141 Cty. EE, Bay City, Wisconsin 54723.