FREEPORT
Floyd J. Kaney
Floyd Jesse Kaney passed peacefully into the arms of his loving Savior on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, after a brief illness at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport.
Floyd was born Nov. 16, 1921, in Forreston, the youngest son of Edith and Jesse Kaney.
Upon his graduation from high school, he served during World War II as a Navy seaman stationed in England. It was his years in England that opened the eyes of "a naive farm boy" to the beauty, adventure and endless possibilities the world offered and profoundly influenced the course of Floyd's life.
When the war ended, he returned to the states and enrolled at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. It was there he met the love of his life and soulmate, Lynn Marie Boots. While at Cornell, Floyd and Lynn pursued their passion for music and performing together, a gift they shared throughout their 61 years of marriage.
An opportunity to work with his friend, Matt Marvin, brought the newlyweds to Freeport and led to Floyd's long career in real estate. But it was his family and music he counted as his greatest blessings.
For 25 years Floyd directed the youth and adult choirs at Faith United Methodist Church. He was a frequent soloist at area events and with the Freeport Choral Society. He also was active in Winneshiek Theatre for many years and sang lead roles in "Amahl and the Night Visitors," "Little Mary Sunshine," and "Guys and Dolls" among others. Along with Lynn, who accompanied on piano, as she often did, they directed "My Fair Lady," one of Winneshiek's most successful productions.
Floyd worked tirelessly to establish The Unicorn in Freeport, where guests enjoyed sold-out evenings of dining and musical entertainment in its magical atmosphere. One of the greatest thrills of his theatrical life, however, was singing the role of John Adams in Freeport's bicentennial production of the musical "1776" at the Masonic Temple.
After retiring from real estate, Floyd and Lynn built their home in Carefree, Ariz., where he quickly realized retirement was not for him. He then enjoyed a 10-year career with Russ Lyon Realty and, inspired by his passion for music, worked to establish the Desert Foothills Arts Community, bringing talented musicians from all over the country to concert stages in the Southwest.
During their years in Arizona, Floyd and Lynn maintained their home in Freeport and eventually moved to their last home together at the Parkview community where they lived among lifelong friends they treasured.
Floyd's unwavering devotion to his wife, Lynn, during her long illness, has been an inspiration to all who knew him.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and most recently by his sweet dog, Riley, who was loved by everyone in their Parkview community.
Floyd is survived by his wife, Lynn; his daughter, Carole and her husband, Jim Francis of Dallas, Texas; twin sons, Steven of Phoenix, Ariz., and Charles and his wife, Rita, of Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren, Meghan (Anthony) Wilson, Ellen (Kyle) DuGaue, Michael Kaney, Alexandra, Nathan and Lucas Kaney; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Wilson; and sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Keith Stott.
The family is deeply grateful for the wonderful staff and attendants at Parkview Home, where Floyd knew Lynn was being so well cared for. And for the loving support of special family friends, Nancy McNeive and Lyle Reedy.
All who ever heard his glorious baritone voice may rejoice that Floyd, through God's grace, now sings with the celestial choir. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!"
A celebration of Floyd's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 3, at Freeport United Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, his family would be honored if friends chose to make a donation in Floyd's name to a charity they support.
Floyd's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory or light a candle in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.