Imogene F. (Carruthers) Koepnick; 91, of Elkhorn, WI slipped the bonds of this earthly life and passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on October 29, 2015 at Lakeland Health Care Center Elkhorn, WI.  She was born Feb. 19, 1924 at Athelstane, WI, to the late Claude P. and Ima S. Carruthers.

She attended Elkhorn High School, and in those sweet years of youth met the love of her life, George H. Koepnick. The couple celebrated Independence Day by declaring their own independence: they eloped on July 4, 1942. They enjoyed each other's partnership and their lives together for the ensuing 59 years, raising a dozen children. George then died in 2002 at the age of 85.

Imogene had a variety of jobs in her working years. She was a waitress at Eat N Time Restaurant; worked behind the meats counter at Delavan Sentry; worked at Andies Candies Factory; and spent her last years as an employee by serving as a crossing guard for the Delavan School system.

Imogene had a lifelong love of children, and for many years she touched the lives of hundreds of children who benefitted from her affection and attention during their early years in her home-based day care operation.

She and George were longstanding and active members of Como Community Church, and more recently she attended the First Baptist Church of Delavan.

She is survived by her Eleven children; David (Julie) Koepnick of New Bern, North Carolina, Janet (Dwight)  Underhill of Livonia, MI, Bonita Sisk of Darien, WI, Lylace (Michael) Obershaw of Janesville, WI, Rebecca (Jon) Zahm of La Farge, WI, Timothy (Patti) Koepnick of Delavan, WI, Karen Maurer of Fort Atkinson, WI, Linda (Gary) Ritchey of Anchorage, AK, Richard (Patti) Koepnick  of Elkhorn, WI, Victoria (Johnny) Koepnick-Gallie of Los Gatos, CA  and Lisa (John) Wilcox of Orlando, FL. By 28 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren (with another on the way), five siblings, and an extended family that numbers in the hundreds.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; sons Joel and Phillip Koepnick; two granddaughters; Natalie Underhill,  Katherine Koepnick, three brothers and four sisters.

Imogene's largest source of joy in this life was that of family, and there was always room at her table for one more chair, and one more plate. Many pleasant hours were spent around that table with her husband and their kids and grand kids. The air generally rang with laughter from the people she loved, who also loved her and each other, and were happy to be together again whatever the occasion.

She was a dedicated Christian with an unshakable faith that never wavered during her 91 years. Her greatest hope was that everyone could know the Jesus she knew, and the love and contentment such faith offers. She was well known and loved for many good reasons, but none more so than her signature saying, "Bless Your Heart!"

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, November 5, 2015 at the First Baptist Church 212 South Main Street Delavan, WI with Rev. Mike Ida officiating.  Burial will be at Spring Grove Cemetery Delavan, WI.  Visitation 6PM to 8PM on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home 730 N. Wisconsin Street Elkhorn, WI and Thursday 10AM until service at the church.  On-line guestbook is at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.

Our family members extend our sincere thanks to the Lakeland Health Care Center for the superb and tender care provided Imogene every day of her last years of life.