Kenneth “Ken” Robert Lear died peacefully at home with family by his side on Friday, December 23rd at the age of 70.

He was born in Superior, WI on May 4, 1952 to parents Robert and Fay Lear, and joining big sister, Kathy.

Ken grew up in Rochester, MN, and in 1969, played on the John Marshall High School state champion basketball team. He attended college at St. Cloud State University, an education that included spending a memorable year abroad in Denmark (beginning many lifelong friendships) and meeting his favorite study buddy turned love of his life, Barb (Helle). Ken finished his studies at Marshfield Medical Foundation and graduated as a Physician Assistant (PA-C).

Ken and Barb married in 1977 and, relocating for Ken’s first PA-C job, set down roots in Osceola, WI. There, they built a home in the woods full of love and happy memories including raising their three children. After six years at Osceola Medical Center, Ken went on to work with St. Croix Orthopaedics for 34 years until his retirement in 2018. While Ken’s work schedule was demanding, his children marvel at how he always seemed to be present for their various music, theater, and sporting events. Ken also found time for his own performances with various community theaters in the area and especially cherished the productions in which his whole family participated. In 2008, Ken and Barb moved from the woods to build their dream home on Deer Lake, where Ken could reliably be found at sunset piloting the pontoon from his two-seater captain’s chair with Barb right beside him.

Ken was a beautiful combination of unwavering generosity and kindness with just the right amount of mischief mixed in. Loved ones grew to recognize the glint in his eye as he plotted “that Kenny Lear stuff”. He also habitually showed deep love through his “Ken-cerns”, the types of verbalized worries that were unique to a big-hearted husband, father, grandpa, and friend who always wanted his loved ones to be happy and safe.

After receiving a life-altering diagnosis of a glioblastoma in March of 2022, Ken was determined to “follow the science”. He said, and family upheld, “where there is hope, we fight.” Love and connectedness to his family kept him going, as well as visits (and delicious desserts) from friends and family.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Fay Lear, and father-in-law, Melvin Helle. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Barb, children Ryan (Mandi) Lear, Kristy (Marea) Blue, and Heidi (Cole) Lear, grandchildren Shiloh and Cyrus Blue and Rosalie Lear, sister Kathy Lear, mother-in-law Fern Johnson (Helle), beloved nieces and nephews, and in-law family. Special thanks to Spirit of the Heart Home Health Care, especially Kerrie who became part of the Lear family with her ongoing care for Ken during his illness.

Memorials preferred to Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (Stillwater), Adoray Home Health and Hospice, and Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy.

Last Update: Dec 29, 2022 1:24 pm CST