Joel Karnick
Elsie Hawkins, age 93 of Ogema, WI passed away peacefully at Riverview Nursing Home in
Tomahawk, WI on December 31 st . She was surrounded by her loving family.
Elsie was born November 11, 1931 on the family farm in McHenry, IL, the daughter of Walter
and Agnes Krepel. Growing up on the farm is where she got her love for animals and the
outdoors. She attended public school through the 8 th grade and was proud to later earn her
G.E.D.
At the age of 19, she married the love of her life, Richard Hawkins. They lived in the McHenry
area where they lovingly raised 13 children. Elsie worked at various jobs during that time but
was most proud of being a wife and mother. In 1978, Elsie and Richard moved to Ogema, WI,
where they owned and operated a dairy farm until the time of their retirement in 1992.
Over her lifetime, Elsie was excited to visit many places. She traveled to California, Washington
State, Hawaii and to Germany. She loved singing, drawing, attending church services, bible
study, her T.O.P.S group and visiting with her many friends and family members. She was
always up for a family reunion.
She is survived by her children; Richard of McHenry, IL, Cathy (Larry) Withrow of Spring Grove,
IL, Daniel of Sun City, AZ, Delta of Kenosha, WI, Bret (Amy) of Prentice, WI, Marilee Wise of
Advance, MO, Melonie (Mark) Smid of Wonder Lake, IL, John (Fabiana) of Ogema, WI, Robin
Scott of Ogema, WI, Kevin (Jamie) of Ogema, WI, Christina (Kurt) Hallstrand of Prentice, WI, Lisa
(Doug Fonte) Hawkins of Twin Lakes, WI and LuAnn (Mark) Winter of Medford, WI and by 43
grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren and by her sister Martha
of Federal Way, WA.
Elsie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Richard and her sister Mary
Stockwell and two brothers Leo and Alfred Krepel and her parents Walter and Agnes Krepel.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10 th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Ogema Baptist Church
followed by a Funeral Service at 2:30 pm. There will also be a visitation on Thursday, January
16 th at Justen Funeral Home in McHenry, IL from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Friday, January 17 th
from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with Funeral Service at 11:00 am at Justen Funeral Home. Burial
will take place at McHenry County Memorial Park in Woodstock, IL
Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com
HEINDL-NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.
