Kathryn "Kathy" L. Fane

Kathryn (Jensen) Fane of Rockford, passed away on June 14, 2025. 

Kathy was born in Elgin, Illinois on September 18, 1951 to Pearl and Albert Jensen. During her grade school and high school years, Kathy was very involved in the First Congregational Church of Huntley and various choir, band and music activities with school, as well as 4-H. She graduated from Huntley High School in 1969, and went on to major in elementary education at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, receiving her bachelor's degree in

1974. Later that year Kathy married Dennis Fane at the First Congregational Church in Huntley. The couple lived in Rochelle for several years before moving to Rockford, where they had one daughter, Kristi.

Kathy served as church organist for 19 years at Spring Creek Congregational Church in Rockford, as well as teaching piano lessons through the Music Academy of Rockford and at Rockford University. She was actively involved in the Rockford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), having served on several committees, including being instrumental in setting up the guild's Pipe Organ Encounters. She also performed Handel's Messiah with the Mendelssohn Chorale in Rockford.

Kathy began studying for her Master's degree at Concordia University in River Forest, before transferring to Northern Illinois University, where, in 1993, she received her Master's Degree in Music. She went on to serve as organist at Faith United Methodist Church in Genoa and at Riverside Community Church in Machesney Park and before becoming organist and choir director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Genoa, a position she held for 18 years. Kathy retired from her long career is church music in 2023. After retirement, she became a member at Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford, where she participated in many groups and Bible studies.

Survived by daughter Kristi Fane of Loves Park, sisters Marjorie (Dean) Marlowe of Hampshire, IL and Nancy Jensen of Hoffman Estates, IL, many nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents Pearl and Albert, and former husband Dennis Fane.

Service information is pending at this time and will be updated soon.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com