Gene R. Lane, 78, of Kirkland, IL, died peacefully June 12, 2025, in Rockford, IL after a short illness. He was born April 20, 1947, son to Charles and Floy Mae (Banks) Lane in Belvidere. Gene was a 1965 graduate of Belvidere High School where he was active in the band and Belvidere FFA.  He married his sweetheart, Mary Jean Madey in Dekalb County on July 25, 1970.  Gene was a lifelong farmer and resident of rural Kirkland. He was passionate about farming and enjoyed participating in numerous tractor rides with his antique tractors. He was a member of the DeKalb County Corn Growers, Illinois Corn Growers, and National Corn Growers Association. Gene received the honor of being a Prairie Farmer Master Farmer in 2000. Gene was a past volunteer fire fighter for the Kirkland Fire Department and later served as a trustee. Gene proudly served as a member of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Merit Commission for 30 years. He was a member of the Kirkland United Methodist Church, Beaver Valley Grange, and Flora Grange. He enjoyed spending winters in Florida and listening to country music in Branson, MO.

Gene is loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Mary Jean; children, Jackie Lane; Jeff (Kammie) Lane; grandson, Jarrett (Katie Bannick) Hill; multiple cousins, and brother in-laws, Ben (Sandy) Madey and John (Pat) Madey.

He is preceded in death by his parents, uncles Marlyn (Myrna) Banks, Melvin (Mildred) Banks, and brother/sister in-law, Leon  and Dorothy Madey.

Visitation will be June 27, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Anderson Funeral Home (218 W Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere). On June 28, 2025, a brief visitation will occur between 10:00-11:00 am prior to the funeral service at 11:00 am at the Anderson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Hicks Mill Cemetery on Irene Rd, Kirkland. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be made in care of Kirkland Fire Department and DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.
To share a memory , please visit www.andersonfcs.com.