Patricia Rebecca 'Becky' Kann

Patricia Rebecca ?Becky? Kann, age 63, of Fairfield, Iowa peacefully passed away on October 14, 2012 surrounded by loved ones. She was a devoted Christian, a true friend, and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Her life was full of compassion, teaching and service.

Becky was born on June 7, 1949 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Omer and Mary Theresa Adam. After growing up in the Pleasant Plain area, she graduated from Pekin High School in 1967. She attended Iowa State University in Ames for three years and completed her BA degree in Social Work and Elementary Education at Parsons College in 1971. She received her MA degree from MaryCrest University in 1992. In 1970, she was married to John David Kann. From 1972 to 1978 she taught second grade at Ollie in the Pekin School District. She taught third grade at Lincoln and Pence Elementary in the Fairfield School District from 1992 until her retirement in 2010. Becky was a committed teacher and cared deeply for her students and their families. She loved her profession and continued as a teacher in many ways through the rest of her life.

After her cancer diagnosis in 2010, Becky shared her awe-inspiring faith with all those close to her by continuing to live a hopeful and full life. She travelled extensively with her children, was a fantastic cook, and hosted frequent guests. She enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren?s activities just as she always did her children. Becky will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her teachings of ?always be kind, loving, and honest? will endure forever.

Surviving are her husband, John David Kann; two children, Christi Kann Youngberg and spouse Scott of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Daniel Kann of Kansas City, Missouri; and her grandchildren, Ava and Adeline Youngberg. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Theresa Adam, of Fairfield, Iowa; one sister, Leesa Vogel of Hedrick, Iowa; four brothers, Gary and Pat Adam of Fairfield, Iowa, Jim and Mike Adam of Richland, Iowa; and her mother-in-law, Maxiene Kann, of Fairfield, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her father, Omer Adam and her father-in-law, Albert Kann.

She was a member of Nu Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma, Iowa Reading Association, National Education Association, Iowa State Educations Association, Saint Mary?s Catholic Church, and Retired Teachers Association.

It was Becky?s specific wish that friends and family gather for a celebratory prayer service in praise of God prior to the Visitation. Prayer service will be held Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary?s Catholic Church with a visitation of the body to follow. Funeral services will be held at St. Mary?s Catholic Church on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Internment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Please join the family in a memorial balloon release at St. Mary?s. Memories of Becky may be shared at the luncheon following the internment and release. Memorials will be donated to Mayo Clinic of Rochester, St. Mary?s Catholic Church, and the National Lung Cancer Partnership in Becky?s name.

?My flesh and my heart may fail but God is my portion forever.? Psalm 73:26