The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner
Henderson County's beloved friend, community leader and backer, Arthur Francis Kane of Raritan was laid to rest after his fight against failing health won the battle last week.
Art died peacefully at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab with his family members around him Wednesday morning January 11, 2017. His family, friends, classmates, the Raritan community, Raritan bank employees and customers, committee members on which he served, and residents of the county and beyond have looked up to this unique man and have felt the loss of his leadership, friendship, and gentle encouraging ways.
Such a "doer" in the community, it would be impossible to touch on all of the accomplishments or even know of the many good deeds Art has done, but every day his life touched someone or something. He was a true servant of the community. Family visitation saw over 800 people come through St. Patrick Catholic Church Community Center on Sunday, even with predictions of ice and rain.
On Monday morning at the 11:00 a.m. service, six priests who had served Kane's St. Patrick's Catholic Church took part in the service including Monsignor Thomas Mack who lead in the service.
He remarked of the closeness of Art's family members in his care "nephew, nieces and all."
In remembering Art, he said, "Art always put everyone else first. He was the picture of Christ."
Monsignor Mack said, "He knew everyone's aches and pains, he pointed out needs in the church and the community:He was always positive."
He had the "patience of a Saint" on those early days when we came to serve the church and we were young and thought we knew it all. Monsignor Mack drew a laugh when he said the most negative thing he ever heard Art say about another was, "He has his ways."
When pastors came to minister to Art in his sickness, "he ended up ministering to us."
Monsignor Mack said the gospel welcomes the righteous into the kingdom of heaven. "When you did it to the least, you did it to me:he was one of the righteous-it's a great blessing to know someone like that. He respected everyone:everyone had worth and we all had dignity."
Monsignor ended his message, "I thank the Lord for knowing a man like Art who loved each of us and was so faithful. Help us to follow his example."
He encouraged all to: "Tell the stories of Art and his great faith and his works and keep it alive!"
The rain steadily continued Monday while local veterans offered a final salute to a fellow veteran, friend, and comrade Art Kane, at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery outside Raritan. Then taps echoed its moving and final farewell to a much loved servant and community leader and backer of Henderson County. Services were held at Kane's beloved St. Patrick's Catholic Church January 15th, the Martin Luther King holiday. -photo by Dessa Rodeffer/Quill Publisher
Art in 2009 as VIP selected "Illinoian Of The Day" of the Illinois State fair with former Governor Jim Edgar.