hieving her Master's Degree in Education from Western University in Macomb, Illinois. She would go on to invest over 51 years of her time and talents as a special education music teacher in Dubuque, Waterloo and Remsen, Iowa, and Peoria, Illinois. Her love for music and working with some of the Lord's most precious children brought her true satisfaction and contentment throughout the entire journey. Grace was devoted to her faith life from a very early age and was a member of the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque for over 20 years. In time, Grace would also find love in her personal life at home and was united in marriage to John "Jack" Kagel on May 19, 1973, at Sacred Heart Church in Peoria. The couple was blessed with 36 wonderful years together, before Jack was sadly called home ahead of Grace on February 1, 2010. When Grace wasn't at work, she could regularly be discovered at home with either a crochet needle, or a good book in hand. Grace was definitely a people person and any opportunity to make the world a little better place was never lost on her. Her genuine personality, and love for her fellow man, were continually on display and easily leave behind a legacy which all who knew and loved her can retain through these difficult days ahead. The Lord was generous in giving Grace 89 years, plus 1 day, here on earth and we are forever grateful for her vibrant and gracious presence during that time. We will miss Grace more than she could possibly know, but we are joyful that she is now, once again, reunited with her loving family who've been called home ahead of her. Those left to cherish Grace's memory include
her brother,
Wilfred (Mary) Ament, Decorah, IA;her sisters-in-law,
Nina Ament, IL
and Irene Ament, NV;and many nieces, nephews and cousins.Grace was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John "Jack" Kagel; and her siblings, Leo (Joan) Ament, Donald (Beth) Ament, Leonard (Ophelia) Ament and Pauline (Richard) Guise.Grace's family and friends would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital, and Luther Manor, for all of their wonderful care, concern and support of Grace. And a very special thank you to her Dubuque Angels; Rachel, Bev, Mike and Mary Pat, Bill and Sue, and Karlyn for all of their loving care, time and devotion to Grace.
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