Elaine Ann Immke Obituary (1959

Elaine Ann Immke passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 5:40 AM in her home of sixty-five years surrounded by the love of her dear friends. Elaine was born July 20, 1959, in Pontiac, IL and adopted by Francis and Pearl Kime Immke. She knew it was part of God’s plan for her to be a part of that loving family and spoke often of the many memories made while growing up, feeling so cherished and adored. Elaine’s brother, Keith and her parents preceded her in death. Elaine attended Saunemin schools as a proud member of the Saunemin High School Class of 1978, then furthered her education at Parkland Junior College in Champaign. She worked for District 429 schools, first at the junior high and then several years in their Early Childhood Program, where she developed life-long friendships with many of the staff. Later, Elaine was responsible for refurbishing the Pontiac Old City Hall into small business shops. She owned and operated the Hollyhocks and Rusty Buckets Store in Pontiac from 1995 to 2004. All of this was possible because of the Country at Heart business she and her husband started, which involved attending over 12 craft shows each year. Elaine was a gifted artist; she and her husband carved and painted a wide variety of projects, creating a multitude of home decor items that are still enjoyed today. After countless years of working together and being best friends, Elaine married Alvin H. Immke, Jr. on July 21, 2019. Although their marriage was brief, their love and companionship were many years in the making. The pair became known as “the Fair-haired Maiden and her Rusty Knight.” Before his death on September 10, 2022, Elaine spent years taking care of her beloved husband, especially at the end of his life when he was very ill. As a special way to honor her late husband, in 2023, Elaine built the Alvin H. Immke, Jr. Farm Museum building at the Central States Threshermen’s Park in Pontiac. She filled this building with the enormous collection of farming tools and antiques they had collected over the years. Elaine and Alvin were cat-lovers, raising numerous cats, especially their two favorites, Dewey and KT, as well as an abundance of farm cats. Alvin and Elaine were very grateful to Rick Vitzthum for farming their land and always being there to help whenever needed. Elaine was an active member of the Pontiac First United Methodist Church, where she spent years volunteering, decorating the church for various holidays and being responsible for organizing meals for funerals. She was also a member of a special group called GOSH (Girls of Saunemin High). This group of childhood friends met in kindergarten and attended school together. They met regularly to celebrate birthdays, life events, and friendship. Over the years, these members, Linda Donvan, Jill (Fecht) and Phil Rambo, Gail (Green) Songdahl, Penny Schroeder, Sherrie (Vitzthum) Kuntz, and Scott and Betsy Wyllie, became Elaine’s family. Elaine is also survived by many, many other dear friends, her sister-in-law, Marlys Stern, two nephews, Philip Stern and family, Andrew Stern and family, and several cousins. Elaine has one biological brother, Roger (Pam) Washburn of Indiana. Elaine was a friend to all and always had a kind word to share with everyone. She accepted her 15-year battle with cancer as a brave warrior and was a true inspiration to all who knew her. Elaine’s positive attitude while enduring so many health issues was commendable. She became close friends with those working at the OSF Cancer Center in Pontiac. Elaine was forever grateful for everyone who helped to make it possible for her to spend her final days in her own home, especially Shelly Masching, along with her other caregivers. As all who knew Elaine mourn the loss of and will greatly miss a truly wonderful friend, we find comfort in knowing the Fair-haired Maiden and her Rusty Knight have been reunited in the Kingdom of Heaven. Services are being arranged by Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry. Visitation is planned for Monday, December 30, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM and funeral Tuesday, December 31st at 11 AM. Both will be held at the Pontiac First United Methodist Church. Her burial will be in the Saunemin Five Mile Cemetery. Memorials may be given in honor of Elaine to the Saunemin Fire Department or the Pontiac District 429 Early Childhood Program. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Online condolence may be made to: www.calvertmemorial.com..