Harold Irvin Mears

Harold Irvin Mears passed away peacefully in his sleep and claimed his eternal home in Heaven on Monday January 29, 2024.  Harold was adopted at birth by Frieda and Irvin Mears in St. Paul, MN.  He was adopted into the Christian faith when he was brought to Holy Baptism at Trinity Lutheran in St. Paul, MN.  Harold was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on May 25, 1958.
Harold met the love of his life, Johanna Jean, at Dr. Martin Luther College and they were joined in Christian marriage on August 19th, 1967.  Harold and Johanna were the beneficiaries of God's faithfulness within the institution of Christian marriage whereby they shared a life together for 56 years.  Harold is survived by his wife Johanna and their ten children (Andrew & Kateri, Philip & Brenda, Peter & Jodi, Benjamin & Stephanie, Matthew & Jennifer, Rachel Huffman, Daniel & Julie, Mary & Brian Harteneck, Ruth Knudsen, and Joshua & Laura).   Harold was a modern patriarch as he was blessed to have 35 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  During family gatherings he was always honored to lead the children in a scripture reading and meditation which was always grounded in the encouragement to hold fast to the confession of faith.
Harold was trained in Christian education at Martin Luther High School where he graduated in 1962 and later on when he went to Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. He graduated from DMLC in 1967 and went on to dedicate his life to Christian education as a principal and teacher.  Harold was a faithful servant of Christian education for 50 years in public ministry within WELS schools.  His life was built on the foundation of telling others the Good News of Christ crucified.  He served as a teacher at the following Christian Day Schools; First Lutheran- Lacrosse, WI (1964-65), Manitowoc Lutheran High School (1967), Immanuel Lutheran- Lacrosse, WI (1967-75) St. Johns- Westland, MI (1975-88), St. John St. James- Reedsville, WI (1988-96), and St. Johns Lake City, MN (1997-2006).  He also served as a Christian Giving Counselor for the synod from 2006-2016 and he completed a missionary trip in Cameroon Africa.  He was a humble servant of Jesus, and his life was embodied by the motto of training for Time and Eternity.
Harold was a faithful student of God's Word and he regularly committed himself to daily devotional readings where he would study and continue to learn the beautiful truth of God's grace and mercy.  In his retirement Harold was willing to be a servant of the church whereby he would preach sermons during pastoral vacancies and even up to his last day he was preparing for his next fill-in preaching duty.  Harold was always looking for ways to share the joy of Christ's love that he had in his heart.
Grandpa Harry especially loved to tell that beautiful story of God's love to his family.  He was very loyal to his daily devotional writings and his children and grandchildren could expect a daily devotional message based on his scripture readings.  His bible and his devotional readings were right by his side when he passed away just as Christ was by his side throughout his life here on earth.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death's sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me

Hold Though Thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee
In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me
Abide with me, abide with me

A funeral service will be on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 2pm at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake City. Reverend Daniel Reich officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson - Peterson Chapel in Lake City and at the church one hour before the service. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery in Lake City. On-Line Condolences may be placed at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.