Robert C. Searer

Robert Carlyle Searer, 95, formerly of North Webster, Hobart, and Waukarusa, IN passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Wheatfield, IN. One of seven children, he was born on November 10, 1930, in South Bend, IN to the late Noble L. and Una L. (Bowers) Searer. Bob served three years in the Korean conflict with the US Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry from 1951-1954. He married Marleen Howell April 20, 1955, and they had three sons. On July 6, 1979, Bob married Betty (Secor) Wells. He worked for LTV Steel, formerly Youngstown Sheet & Tube in East Chicago, IN, for more than 30 years. A great storyteller, he always had a tale or life lesson to share from his many wise years. Raised in a farming family Robert aka Bob had a green thumb with a love and passion for gardening. His strawberry, potato and watermelon gardens were the envy of all. He and his wife Betty traveled nearly every winter to Sebring, Florida. A true outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a talented craftsman and was very handy with just about any tool. He was especially fond of his Model A Ford that he used to enter in car shows and was often seen cruising around the neighborhood. Bob is survived by his sons, Robert Searer of Los Angeles, CA, James (Michelle) Searer of Wheatfield, John (Marsha) Searer of Wheatfield, step-daughter, Kathy (Dave) Austin of Plymouth; Grandchildren John (Julie) Searer of Portage, Joseph Searer of Portage, Kaitlyn Searer of Sevierville, TN, Jacqueline (James) Anderson of Tampa, FL, Matthew Searer of Sevierville, TN, Emily Searer of DeMotte, Lukas Searer of Wheatfield, Trinity Searer of Austin, TX; step-grandchildren, Gregory (Jenene) Breitzke, Jr. of Kouts, Matthew (Lindsey) Breitzke of Broken Arrow, OK, Ryan (Laurie) Mann of Winfield, Richard (Misty) Mann of Portage; great grandchildren Colton, Jack, John, and Jessica Searer; step great grandchildren, Travis, Cassie, Collin, Jace and Stella Breitzke; brother Norman Searer of Colby, WI; and many nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his former wife, Marleen (Howell) Kopach, his stepdaughters Linda Breitzke, Patricia Wells; son-in-law, Gregory Breitzke Sr.; sister Audrey Berger, brothers Richard Searer, Keith Searer, Max Searer, and Noble Searer. A funeral service will take place Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11 am at Jackson Funeral Home, 200 Third St SW, Demotte, IN 46310. Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, from 9:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. Following the funeral, he will be laid to rest during a committal service at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to VNA Hospice NWI, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383 or to the family.

Robert C. Searer

November 10, 1930 - February 25, 2026