Bertram E. "Bert" Lear

Bertram E. "Bert" Lear, age 88 of Hastings, died peacefully at home on Tuesday morning, December 7, 2021. Bertram Earnest, the son of Hurley and Opal (Craig) Lear, was born on May 28, 1933, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Following his education, Bert enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War. Bert later married Barbara Harlan and they were blessed with three children, Natalie, Scott, and Lisa prior to later being divorced. In 1969, Bert was united in marriage to Alice Hoff in Minneapolis, and they were blessed with a daughter, Jen. Bert was a third generation horse trainer and enthusiast who worked for various stables prior to establishing Lear Stables. His dedication and ability to bond with the horses he trained allowed him to become a well-known trainer in the industry. In 2020, Bert was able to see his dedication be transferred to his daughter Jen who now operates as Willow Falls Farm with Dave. Outside of dedicating his life to horses, Bert enjoyed roller skating, reading gun magazines, and will always be remembered for his singing and whistling while in the barn. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles "Buddy" Lear; and by his grandson, Billy Kittelle. Bert is survived by his wife, Alice; children, Jennefer Lear (Dave Hysaw), Natalie Lear, Scott Lear, and Lisa Lear (Sean Ryan); grandchildren, Zoë, Mya, and Téa Lear, Adrianna (Phil) Paulson, and Anthony and Bailey Nussbaum; great grandchildren, Landon, Brielle, and Brady; sister, Judy Bertoluzza; and by many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Bert's Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.