Aaron Laverne McCann

Aaron L. “Mac” McCann, 92, left the clear running waters of this earth to rejoin his beloved Gwendolyn on December 9, 2022. Aaron was born to Clarence and Mabel (Eastenson) McCann on January 5, 1930, in Mondovi, Wisconsin where he thrived as one of twelve children born into a loving family of dairy farmers. Aaron was a standout student at Hemlock School until wanderlust pulled him to the big city lights of Chicago and his beautiful bride Gwendolyn Katherine Lee who captured his heart for a lifetime.

Aaron and Gwendolyn were married in Chicago on August 12, 1950 and together raised five very strong willed and independent children. They moved to the suburbs and settled in Batavia where Aaron honed his restaurant skills and became a five-star chef. A brief hiatus in Cadott, Wisconsin for three years allowed Aaron to test his farming skills, but they eventually returned to life in Batavia and a new endeavor at Hoffer Plastics.

To fully understand who Aaron was, you first and foremost needed to know that he was a fisherman. He would often say “I fish seven days a week and dream one.” But I will tell you that it was never about the fish. Fishing was the medium through which Aaron interpreted his world and provided him therapeutic relief from whatever might be on his mind on any given day. When he could no longer wade the cold, flowing rivers and streams of his world, he would spend the day at his favorite Lake Tye relaxing in an old reconditioned lawn chair with pipe in hand and a good book and writing materials at his feet. It was at times like these where he would often muster the inspiration to write the famous stories and beautiful poetry we have all come to know.

Aaron will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. His is survived by his sister Dolores (Cliff) Culver, his children; Karen (Kent) Brunson, Coleen (James) Kaiser, Kevin (Shari) McCann, Tammy Theis (Rick Jordan), and Tom McCann. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss their Grandpa McCann dearly, remembering him as always the child at heart with a hearty laugh and a warm hug to brighten your day.

Aaron was preceded in death by his angelic bride, Gwendolyn Katherine Lee McCann. Also departing before him were his parents, Clarence and Mabel; an infant brother, Laverne; sisters May, Gladys, and Mabel; brothers Millard, Alfred, Clarence, Gerald, Marshall, and Wayne; and a very special Daughter-in-Law, Elizabeth Fenske McCann.

From the pen of a kindred spirit, Julie Morris Britton, Aaron would have been pleased to share this with you:

Who, but he, Aaron McCann could sit beside the sea,

Fish the lake while reading books and writing beautiful poetry,

Smoke a pipe and lend a hand to a person in time of need!

Who but he, dear Aaron McCann, who writes so prophetically,

Can change the hearts of those he knows and continue to inspire me

To be a person, like Aaron McCann, of deep devotion and loyal integrity.

His wisdom and his wit, is just but a nibble, you see,

Who but he, Aaron McCann gives and loves so unconditionally.

There is no doubt, and be assured in heaven he will be,

And waiting at the Pearly Gates his Beloved smiles brilliantly!

And thus they go, hand in hand – again – for all eternity…

A private burial ceremony for the family will be held at Rock Island National Cemetery on a warm, sunny spring day. In lieu of flowers or donations, please play hooky from work or school and just go fishing!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.PurdyKerr.com for the McCann family.