Emmett M. Gear

Emmett M. Gear, age 94 of Plover died Friday evening, October 14, 2016 at home under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Emmett was born on February 12, 1922 in Hancock, the son of the late Archie and Jesse (Mosher) Gear.  He was married to Susan “Sue” H. Sorenson on September 24, 1949 in Coloma.  Their marriage of 67 years was blessed with 3 sons, Jerry, Lee and Greg.

Emmett began working at the Port Edwards paper mill in the late 1940’s. In 1958 he took over the family farm outside Hancock.  He farmed nearly 500 acres with his sons until retiring in the late 70’s.  He also worked for Aunt Nellie’s Canning Company.  In 1992 after “retiring again”, Emmett and and Sue decided to start raising exotic animals and along came “What Next Place”. They enjoyed sharing these animals with the children that came to visit from nearby schools.  In 2001 they moved to Plover for medical reasons.  Emmett enjoyed polka dancing with Sue, playing cards with neighbors, deer hunting and snowmobiling with his family, playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and NASCAR.

Emmett will be deeply missed by his loving wife Sue of Plover, three sons, Jerry (Marilynne) Gear, North Charleston, SC, Lee (Tammy Karis) Gear, Plover, Greg (Lynn) Gear of Plover; his 9 grandchildren, Michelle (Aaron Wanta) Gear, Plainfield, Jay (Charisse) Gear, Douglasville, GA, Dianna (Fred) Walter, Neillsville, Kari Gear, Clearwater, FL., Nathan Gear, Madison, Christina (Chad) Patrin, Plover, Lisa (Eric) Wysong, North Charleston, SC., Nicholas Gear, Plover and Jennifer (Brian) Kersey, Stevens Point; 17 great grandchildren, Kevin Garlow, Dalton and Brodi Gear; Jacob, Bradley and Ellie Walter; Jordyne Borgesi; Brooke, Kylie Kaitlyn and Karsen Gear; Breynn and Gavin Partrin; Mia, Eric Jr., Grace and Avigail Wysong.  Further survived by other relatives and special friends.

Sue and the family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Heartland Hospice who helped make our loving husband, father and grandfather’s final days and hours as comfortable as possible. A special thank you to his longtime nurse Karen and CNA Kayla.  Your care and compassion will forever be appreciated.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Stahl Funeral Home, Plainfield.  Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Colburn/Leola Cemetery.  View the online guestbook or share a message with the family at www.plainfieldfuneralhome.com