Ann Kearns

Ann Jeanne Kearns, 82, of Athens, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She was born on December 5, 1938 in Brookfield, Illinois, to the late Joseph and Anna (Hulka) Svatos. On August 4, 1956, Ann married Don Kearns in Berwyn, IL. In 1969 Ann and Don made the decision to move to Wausau, Wisconsin to raise their seven children. In 1978 they decided to buy land and build a home in Athens, Wisconsin where they lived out their dreams on a small farm. They were married 60 years.

Ann enjoyed riding horses, birdwatching, and raising German Shepard puppies. Ann also worked at Century 21 as a real estate agent. She was a great supporter of our country and military and was a true and dedicated patriot. But her greatest passion was her family. She loved celebrating holidays and hosting every event, cooking almost everything herself. She was a very generous person and made sure everyone received at least one Christmas present. She taught her children and grandchildren many things including the importance of family values and unconditional love. Ann will be remembered for always helping others in need and offering her heart and home without prejudice or judgment. She was a member of Highland Community Church.

Survivors include her seven children, Donald (Jenny) Kearns, Dennis (Shelley) Kearns, Constance (Mike) Decker, Daniel (Kim) Kearns, Catherine Kearns, Darry (Penny) Kearns, David Kearns, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Ann was further preceded in death by her beloved husband Don Kearns and six brothers and sisters, Robert (Eileen) Svatos, George Svatos, Delores (Jack) Dean, Mildred (Web) Anderson, and Joseph (Lori) Svatos.

Due to COVID and to make sure everyone is safe, private services are being held. It is the intention of the family to have a “celebration of life” memorial when there is not such a severe threat of COVID. In lieu of flowers, Ann’s favorite charity was The Wounded Warrior Project. Also, feel free to sign our family guest book at helke.com.