STERLING – Wayne D. Gann, 68, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, at his home. He was an insurance agent for more than 46 years, a manager for AAA – Chicago Motor Club in Sterling and then owner and operator of Gann Insurance Agency.

Wayne was born Sept. 10, 1944, in Sterling, the son of Clarence and Kathryn (Friemuth) Gann. He served in the Army Airborne from 1962 to 1965. He married Deanna Stutzel on May 13, 1966, in Sterling. Wayne donated more than 18 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He was a member of the Sterling Optimist Club, serving as president from 2010 to 2011 and chairing the poster contest every year. He also loved working on projects like the Pumpkin Dash and cookouts. Wayne was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church of Sterling. Throughout Wayne’s whole life, he enjoyed helping others and expected nothing in return. His joy was “being there” for family, friends and even strangers.

Survivors include his wife, Deanna; one daughter, Julie (Ryan) Rusin of Wheaton; one son, Todd Gann of Bettendorf, Iowa; two sisters, Shirley Farwell of Grand Detour and Rogene (Jim) Strite of Mount Morris; three brothers, Ted (Bonnie) Gann, Gene Gann, and Roger (Sarah) Gann, all of Oregon; and two grandchildren, William Wayne Rusin and James Henry Rusin.