Dan Zear, 61 of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, October 24 in his home. A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW, with Reverend Tom Capo presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Thursday. Inurnment will be in Czech National Cemetery. Dan was born February 24, 1950 in Washington, the son of Raymond and Nellie (Bittner) Zear. Dan attended Pekin High School. He completed his studies at the University of Iowa with an Education degree. Dan taught 5th grade at Winfield and Mt. Pleasant Schools for over 33 years until his retirement in 2005. Dan enjoyed the time spent traveling, gardening, collecting clocks and antiques as well as his dogs. Dan is survived by his brother Jerry (Ruth) Zear of Oskaloosa; his partner of 34 years Ray Lauderdale. Dan is preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Valley Humane Society in Dan's name.