Ann Kane

ANN KANE STERLING – Ann Kane, 90, of Sterling, died peacefully Thursday at CGH Medical Center. She was a homemaker, farm wife, real estate agent, and advocate for people with disabilities. Ann was born Aug. 26, 1926, to Joseph and Ethel Bartel, who farmed north of Sterling. She graduated from St. Mary's elementary and high schools and attended the University of Illinois for a year before leaving to teach school. She taught at the one-room North Star School northwest of Sterling and boarded with a local farm family. There she met neighboring farmer Frank Kane. They were married on June 14, 1947. Ann and Frank Kane had four sons, the youngest of whom is profoundly mentally handicapped. Ann for many years fought for treatment and care for her son. She was part of a group of parents that bought an old school bus and each day drove children from Rock Falls to the Truman School in Dixon, the nearest place to offer services to the handicapped. She served on the board of the Whiteside County Association for the Mentally Handicapped for most of its existence and then served on the board of Self-Help Enterprises of Sterling for many years. Ann and Frank built a home from a plan they found in Successful Farming magazine with Frank doing most of the work himself. That led to Frank subdividing part of the farm in 1960 and building many homes in the Sterling area. When her children were older Ann earned a Realtor's license and sold homes in the Sterling area for 20 years. Ann and Frank were active in St. Mary's parish, regularly hosting priests at the farm and sending their children to St. Mary's grade school and Newman high school. They also advocated against abortion. Ann was known for her holiday parties for extended family, her care for her husband, and her love for her children. Survivors include siblings Robert (Dawn) Bartel of Moline and Jane Kanatzar of Idaho Falls, sons Kevin (Mary Rose Strubbe), James (Deborah Donovan), Paul (Rebecca Wiley) and Jude, four grandchildren, Danielle (Sean) Rios, Rachel (Billy Brown) Kane, Charles Kane, Joy Kane and a great grandson, Owen Rios. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank on April 19, 2015; parents; her brother Donald (Mary) and her sister Patsy Bartel. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 AM Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Schilling Funeral Home 702 First Ave., Sterling. The funeral Mass follows at 11 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 600 Ave. B, Sterling, with Fr. James Keenan officiating. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery with luncheon to follow at the church hall. The family is thankful for the care she received at Avonlea Cottages and CGH Medical Center. Memorials may be made to Self-Help Enterprises, 2300 W. LeFevre Road, Sterling. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.