REFLECTIONS

Always ready to offer a “Hello,” Imogene Symes was a team player.

She will now be a missing link. Imo, as most family and friends call her, now becomes a memory. She leaves behind a strong legacy of helping people.

Imogene passed away July 10, surprising and shocking her family and friends.

Imo grew up in Iowa and attended Fort Dodge Community College, where she earned a two-year secretarial degree. Imogene is the mother of two girls. Imogene did daycare for many years. She moved to Blooming Prairie in 1975.

In addition to daycare, Imo worked at the Union Creamery and Production Credit Association.

She then started work at First Lutheran Church of Blooming Prairie. After working 22 years at the church, Imo kept working. She substituted for Danielle Hein as church secretary. Not many knew the history of the church as did Imo.

She drove bus part-time for the Blooming Prairie school district. Imo was also a greeter for Worlein Funeral Homes.

Imo was known for her many talents: cooking, sewing, painting, and gardening. She also once milked cows with her two daughters, Denise and Denell, so neighbors could go on vacation.

Imo knew the pulse of the community and was always curious about what was going on in the community. She was quick to offer a helping hand to anyone.

She often played Bingo and was welcomed to play at our table at J & H Liquors. She loved the game, and she even surprised herself when she discovered she had a Bingo.

Her kids and grandkids loved their time with Grandma Imo.

The Blooming Prairie area has recently lost many notable citizens who have been part of a growing community. Imogene Symes was one of those people who loved her community and was responsible for building it even better.

Imo became close to two foreign exchange students. They both came to Blooming Prairie to pay their respects to Imogene.

We can hear it now: a soft giggle after she reacts to someone’s joke. She could also tell a good joke.

There are many other Imogene Symes types, but none who can measure so many accomplishments.

Imo loved her little, black dog named Katie, who followed her everywhere.

Thank you, Imo, for being a special friend to everyone.