Irma Jean Sanders, Rockford, IL  (1923 - 2012)

June 9, 1923 - November 9, 2012
Irma Jean Sanders, 89, of Rockford, died Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, at the Swedish American Hospital. She was born June 9, 1923, in Walworth, WI, the daughter of Carl A. and Dora F. (Bauermann) Recknagle. She was a graduate of Elkhorn High School, Elkhorn, WI, class of 1941. She moved to Rockford in 1942, and married Julius M. Sanders on Nov. 17, 1944. He predeceased her on Jan. 20, 1992. Irma was a secretary for the Rockford Board of Education, retiring in 1983. Irma was a member of First Lutheran Church, where she volunteered with other church members in helping the community. She was the past president of Rockford Association of Educational Office Personnel, member and past president of Rockford Association of Retired Educational Office Personnel, a member of Ingersoll 9-Hole Golf League, bowled in several leagues, and enjoyed Friends Card Club since 1955.
Irma is survived by her children, Steven R. Sanders and Suzanne (George) Graham, both of Rockford; grandchildren: Michael Graham, Amy (Jason) Newell, and Jessica Sanders; great-grandchildren: Josh, Paige, Alana, Jackson, Hayden, Madelynn, and Payton;
great-great-granddaughter, Kayden; sister, Madgel Schluga of Lake Geneva, WI; several nieces; and nephews; and her beloved dog, Buddy. Irma was predeceased by her son, James Sanders; and sister, Katherine Springsteen.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, at OLSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, LTD., FRED C. OLSON CHAPEL, 1001 Second Ave., with Pastor Jane McChesney officiating. Visitation will be from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service in the FUNERAL HOME. Private burial will be in Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark, 125 S. Madison, Rockford, IL 61104; or First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford, IL 61104; or to the charity of donor’s choice. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.