Janet Kinney, 75
Janet A. “Jan” Kinney, 75, Morton, Ill., died Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at her home.
She was born May 16, 1939, in Red Oak, to Leroy H. and Frances V. (Sar) Johnson. Jan graduated Valedictorian from Red Oak High School and later received a bachelor of science degree in music education from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. She taught in a number of public schools including Pine Island, Minn., District 150 Peoria, Creve Coeur and Morton, retiring in 1994.
She married Charles Kinney July 29, 1961, in Red Oak. Early in her married life, Jan enthusiastically taught private piano lessons in her home. Music was an important part of her life, and the love of the piano and singing were always evident. She relished playing piano/organ duets at Christmas services at Advent Lutheran Church in Morton and singing in church choirs as well as in the Morton Civic Chorus and Grand Singers in Surprise, Ariz.
Jan deeply loved her seven grandchildren and closely supported their educational, musical and athletic endeavors by reading to them as youngsters, assisting with homework and attending many of their concerts and athletic events. Jan, always pleasant, was a delightful person who drew people to her in a charming gracious manner.
Athletic herself, Jan was an avid swimmer and former water safety instructor. In recent years, she routinely participated in water aerobic classes while wintering in Arizona. She enjoyed golf and was a member of the Pekin Country Club and Grand Putters in Sun City Grand, Ariz.
Jan and her husband, Chuck, traveled during their retirement years and thoroughly enjoyed trips to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Mexico, Scandinavia, Spain, Germany, Austria and southwestern and eastern United States.
Jan was an active member of Advent Lutheran Church in Morton and an associate member of Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Surprise, where she sang in the choirs. She was also a member of AAUW and past member of the National Education Association, Illinois Education Association and the Morton Education Association. She volunteered at Upscale Resale in Morton.
Surviving are her husband of Morton; a son, Tom (Kim) Kinney of Yorkville, Ill.; a daughter, Sara (Brian) Wetzel of Olathe, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Thomas, Kyle and Chase Kinney, Benjamin, Emily, Beth and Carlos Wetzel; and one brother, Don (Nancy) Johnson of Palatine, Ill.
Services were Monday, May 26, 2014, at Advent Lutheran Church in Morton, with Rev. Dennis O’Brien officiating. Burial will be at Hirstein Cemetery in Morton.
Memorials may be directed to Advent Lutheran Church, 1211 S. Main St., Morton, Ill. 61550 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To view Jan’s video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit knappjohnson.com.