Grant Archie Mears

Grant Archie Mears, age 82, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, in Sioux City, Iowa, the city where he was born on July 27, 1943. He lived fully, laughed often (usually at his own dry jokes), and was known for his mischievous grin. He believed he’d “rest when he was dead.”

Grant proudly served in the Marine Reserves and dedicated 32 years to the Sioux City Fire Department, retiring as Assistant Chief. With an unwavering commitment to his fellow firefighters, he also served as Union President for over a decade.

A Life of Service and Passion

Grant's passion for community was evident in his service. He was a longtime member of St. Michael's Church, where he led the Boy Scout troop as Scoutmaster for 15 years and made countless pans of Au Gratin potatoes for their Lenten fish fry's. He also served on the Boys Club Board of Governors for more than 15 years and the United Way Board of Directors for over a decade. Most recently, he served as the scorekeeper for the Mighty Mo’s youth trap team.

His interests were as wide-ranging as his generosity. Grant was active in the Siouxland Historical Railroad, Shady Brady Saddle Club, Sportsman Gun Club, Hawkeye Gun Club, and the Strollers Car Club. An avid hunter and fisherman, he found his greatest joy outdoors on his acreage—tinkering with old cars and tractors, fixing model trains, caring for animals, and tending to the land he loved.

Family and Final Years

Grant is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Pamela (Blake) Mears; his daughter Tanya (Rich) Hall; and his sons Matthew Mears and Justin Mears. He will be missed by his grandchildren Thomas and Marie Hall; his sisters Nancy Brown and Betsy (Bill) Lulf; his brothers Mike Mears, John "Boomer" (Mazie) Mears; his brothers-in-law Mike (Marilyn) Sauer and Jeff (Mary Lynn Yakel) Sauer, and his sisters-in-law Sharon (Bill) Michailidis, Sharon Mears, Anita (Larry) Gray, and Nadine (Greg) Morning and his mother-in-law Elaine Nurse. He is also survived by many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In his later years, Grant and Pam traveled the world, but he was always happiest at home. He especially cherished his almost daily coffee meetups with his “coffee buddies.”

Grant was preceded in death by his parents, Marie (Zwiep) Mears and John Mears; his siblings Mark Mears and Jana Mears; his brothers-in-law James Brown and Byron Sauer; his sister-in-law Allie Sauer, his fathers-in-law Russell Blake and Ken Nurse (step), his step mother-in-law Peggy Blake, and numerous animals he lovingly cared for over the years.

Memorials in Grant's honor may be directed to: St Joseph Indian School, Holy Cross, Trinity Heights, Gospel Mission or charity of your choice.