The Funeral Sermon For Imogene Amelia Lahee 9/30/26
Series: Lutheran Funeral Sermons
September 30, 2026
Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
Imogene Amelia (Racine) Lahee Imogene Amelia (Racine) Lahee, was born on July 13, 1934, to the late Henry C. and Johanna (Fischer) Racine of Evanston. Her Good Shepherd called her to be His little lamb in the waters of Holy Baptism as an infant at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Evanston, Indiana. She heard her Shepherd’s voice at home and in church growing to hear and walk in His grace as she grew. She confessed the baptismal Faith given her and promised to remain faithful to being fed by her Good Shepherd within His Church until death as she was confirmed on March 21st, 1948 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church. Imogene was a 1952 graduate of Chrisney High School and became a faithful member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in 1958. She retired from General Electric after 45 years of dedicated service. Imogene found joy in the simple beauty of life, especially gardening and taking in the beautiful landscape God created. She often shared stories of walking to school in the snow, giving her family a glimpse into the experiences and memories that shaped her life. She treasured time with her family above all else and found great happiness in the moments they shared together. The memories she made with those she loved will remain a cherished part of her family’s lives. On September 27, 2026, Imogene fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, The Good Shepherd, at the age of 92 at Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana. Left to look forward to the great family reunion that awaits Christians on the Last Day when our bodies are raised from the dust and our Shepherd leads us into life everlasting are her children, Linda (Denny) Rogier of Reo; Carol VanConey of Cannelton; Connie (Jeff) Richardson of Gatchel; and Sandra (Patrick) Jarboe of Gerald. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Lyric) Chapman, Staci (Nick) Litherland, Cassandra Hays, Nicole (Sean) Risse, Shaina (Charles) Weatherholt, Ian (Whitney) Jarboe, Carly (Caleb) Kuric, and Jenna Richardson; and eleven great-grandchildren, Daniel Marshall, Peyton and Alyssa Hays, Zaeden Weaver, Sophia and Gannon Litherland, Junah and Adley Risse, Nakoa Kalaluhi, Catherine Kuric, and Tinsley Jo Weatherholt, on the way. She was preceded Home to Heaven through death by her parents; her son, Gregory Lahee; her brothers, Harold Racine and Clifford (Romella) Racine; and her sister, Helen (Robert) Pruitt. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Linda E. White Hospice House.
Episode Notes
The Funeral Sermon for Imogene Amelia Lahee 30-September-2026
Sermon Text: Psalms 23:1-2 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
Sermon Theme: “The Lord Is My Shepherd!” by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
I.N.R.I. 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.The apostle John wrote these words to faithful pastor Gaius and the congregation that he served. These are words every Christian parent echos rejoicing in the family the Lord God entrusted to their care. Imogene would echo these words as she talked to me of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She rejoiced that Jesus, the Good Shepherd of real sinners, was her Shepherd leading her through the wilderness of this world through the grave to the resurrection of her body and the life of the world to come.
Today we gather to mourn, to weep, to cry - death is the last enemy we face - it is no friend - it is the only wages that sin pays. Death isn’t natural. The Holy Spirit speaks Truth - “Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—” Christ Jesus, the Lord of Life, wept as His whole body shook with sorrow at His dear friend Lazarus’ tomb.
Imogene knew the sharp sting of death, the grief, the sorrow, the tears it brings as she mourned her sons death. Perhaps that is why she wanted you to hear the Holy Spirit’s words through the pen of St. Paul, “1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” Death’s sting is sin. Sin’s strength is God’s immutable Law. Thanks be to God that Jesus, True God from eternity, and our True Brother born of the Virgin Mary - has taken away the strength of sin by living a perfect life for us sinners. He has broken death’s sting by suffering the just wrath of God fully once and for all upon the cross in His flesh, then surrendering Himself to death to make our graves holy. His resurrection three days later forever robbed the grave - it is only a resting place for our bodies - until the Last Day dawns and Jesus says to all the world, “Arise!” He promises, John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice (29) and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
Learn from Imogene’s favorite Psalm to walk in the Truth - follow Jesus your Good Shepherd.
Jesus preaches to you, John 10:11-18 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (12) But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. (13) The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. (14) I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (15) As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. (16) And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (17) "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. (18) No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father." Centuries before aged King David, looking back on his failings and God’s abundant forgiveness in Jesus sang forth: Psalms 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
When Imogene was born her parents knew the truth confessed by David was true of their infant daughter, Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. They knew the promise of the Good Shepherd. John 10:27-30 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (28) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (29) My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. (30) I and My Father are one." They brought their infant daughter to hear the voice of Jesus say, “You are Mine, I save you!” as He baptized her sealing her with His Holy Cross and the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit - at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Evanston.
Our Good Shepherd provides for every need of body and soul. Imogene continued to grow in grace and to know Jesus through His Word within His Church. On March 21st, 1948 she rejoiced in her baptismal calling and promised to remain faithful to Him until death feasting on the green pastures within His Church. The Good Shepherd called her to marriage and motherhood. He blessed her with five children. She clung to Jesus trusting that her Good Shepherd would never leave, abandon, or abuse her. Granny worked hard to protect her children and provide a loving home for them especially when her husband abandoned them. She walked on trusting her Good Shepherd.
Learn from David to sing with her, “ Psalms 23:1-2 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Jesus cares for all our needs of body and soul. Earlier this month Imogene fell, a brain bleed threatened her life, on September 12th as evening fell - I visited Imogene at Deaconess. She was clear of mind as she heard Jesus’ Words from the Sermon on the Mount calling us away from worry to trust in our loving heavenly Father. He provides food for the birds of the air and clothes the flowers of the field - He cares for you. Our sister in Christ knew this well. She loved the beauty of her God’s creation, the birds, and her cats. It was a love of nature that she passed on to her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.
Dr. Martin Luther wrote, “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf of springtime.” Creation cries out to us there is a God! The cross cries out to us He has bought us back to Himself! Every sunrise is a promise that all who fall asleep trusting in Jesus their Good Shepherd will rise again!
Our lives are not a series of misfortunate events - Jesus shepherds and leads us to where He needs us to be His hands to care and provide for others. David puts it this way, Psalms 23:3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Sunday after Sunday our Risen Ascended and Enthroned Good Shepherd Jesus - restores our souls. He speaks to us the triumph of the cross and the victory of His empty tomb, “I forgive you all your sins!” When His Word is spoken - sinners are restored - God remembers their sin no more! Then He feeds us His Word, His body and blood, placing the Name of God upon us and sending us back into the world to be His hands to serve and care for all.
Imogene, knew that she wasn’t perfect, she knew that she was a sinner - forgiven by God’s grace in Jesus alone. September 13th she again confessed her sins and heard the good news that God forgave her all - He restored her soul never to abandon her or forsake her.
That night we prayed the 23rd Psalm together - Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Thanking your Good Shepherd. A Christian is never alone, they never suffer alone, they never die alone - Jesus is with us. He has knit us into His body in Holy Baptism.
This was our sister’s joy to confess with David, Psalms 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. There in the hospital room - Jesus set His table before her - He said, “Take eat, this is My body, given for you!” “Take drink, this is My blood shed for you - for the forgiveness of all your sins!” Receiving the life of her Good Shepherd she could pray with Simeon, Luke 2:29-32 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; (30) For my eyes have seen Your salvation (31) Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, (32) A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." It was a song she sang often here in the sanctuary after feasting with Jesus, a song she rejoiced to hear her family sing.
Our Good Shepherd doesn’t abandon those He has called in the water of baptism. He doesn’t forget your face or name - He knows you personally - He chases you - listen: Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.” After speaking the benediction, Imogene talked of her grandchildren - she didn’t want them to walk away from the Good Shepherd or be offended that some may not always recognize them at Emmanuel. Paul wrote comforting the tearful pastor Timothy saying,
2 Timothy 1:3-5 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, (4) greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, (5) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
Granny’s great inheritance to you is Jesus, your Good Shepherd, who is present in His Church through His Word and sacraments. Sunday morning the 13th came and Imogene suffered another brain bleed, she was put into hospice. Even there she heard the voice of her Good Shepherd through hymns, prayers, and scripture readings. Finally her last hour came - God granted her a blessed end - she fell asleep in the arms of Jesus rejoicing in His amazing grace. Years ago she wrote down her funeral wishes. In it she included this poem, a hymn, for all her family. Let it be Granny’s ongoing word to comfort and encourage you as you mourn her death:
1 My shepherd will supply my need – Jehovah is his name.
In pastures fresh he makes me feed Beside the living stream.
He brings my wand'ring spirit back When I forsake his ways
And leads me, for his mercy's sake, In paths of truth and grace.
2 When I walk through the shades of death, His presence is my stay;
One word of his supporting breath Drives all my fears away.
His hand, in sight of all my foes, Will still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows; His oil anoints my head.
3 The sure provisions of my God Attend me all my days;
Oh, may his house be my abode And all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest While others go and come,
No more a stranger or a guest But like a child at home.
Christian Worship (1993): a Lutheran hymnal #374
Text and Music : Public Domain Amen.
Sermon Text: Psalms 23:1-2 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
Sermon Theme: “The Lord Is My Shepherd!” by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
I.N.R.I. 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.The apostle John wrote these words to faithful pastor Gaius and the congregation that he served. These are words every Christian parent echos rejoicing in the family the Lord God entrusted to their care. Imogene would echo these words as she talked to me of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She rejoiced that Jesus, the Good Shepherd of real sinners, was her Shepherd leading her through the wilderness of this world through the grave to the resurrection of her body and the life of the world to come.
Today we gather to mourn, to weep, to cry - death is the last enemy we face - it is no friend - it is the only wages that sin pays. Death isn’t natural. The Holy Spirit speaks Truth - “Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—” Christ Jesus, the Lord of Life, wept as His whole body shook with sorrow at His dear friend Lazarus’ tomb.
Imogene knew the sharp sting of death, the grief, the sorrow, the tears it brings as she mourned her sons death. Perhaps that is why she wanted you to hear the Holy Spirit’s words through the pen of St. Paul, “1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” Death’s sting is sin. Sin’s strength is God’s immutable Law. Thanks be to God that Jesus, True God from eternity, and our True Brother born of the Virgin Mary - has taken away the strength of sin by living a perfect life for us sinners. He has broken death’s sting by suffering the just wrath of God fully once and for all upon the cross in His flesh, then surrendering Himself to death to make our graves holy. His resurrection three days later forever robbed the grave - it is only a resting place for our bodies - until the Last Day dawns and Jesus says to all the world, “Arise!” He promises, John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice (29) and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
Learn from Imogene’s favorite Psalm to walk in the Truth - follow Jesus your Good Shepherd.
Jesus preaches to you, John 10:11-18 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (12) But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. (13) The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. (14) I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (15) As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. (16) And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (17) "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. (18) No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father." Centuries before aged King David, looking back on his failings and God’s abundant forgiveness in Jesus sang forth: Psalms 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
When Imogene was born her parents knew the truth confessed by David was true of their infant daughter, Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. They knew the promise of the Good Shepherd. John 10:27-30 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (28) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (29) My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. (30) I and My Father are one." They brought their infant daughter to hear the voice of Jesus say, “You are Mine, I save you!” as He baptized her sealing her with His Holy Cross and the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit - at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Evanston.
Our Good Shepherd provides for every need of body and soul. Imogene continued to grow in grace and to know Jesus through His Word within His Church. On March 21st, 1948 she rejoiced in her baptismal calling and promised to remain faithful to Him until death feasting on the green pastures within His Church. The Good Shepherd called her to marriage and motherhood. He blessed her with five children. She clung to Jesus trusting that her Good Shepherd would never leave, abandon, or abuse her. Granny worked hard to protect her children and provide a loving home for them especially when her husband abandoned them. She walked on trusting her Good Shepherd.
Learn from David to sing with her, “ Psalms 23:1-2 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Jesus cares for all our needs of body and soul. Earlier this month Imogene fell, a brain bleed threatened her life, on September 12th as evening fell - I visited Imogene at Deaconess. She was clear of mind as she heard Jesus’ Words from the Sermon on the Mount calling us away from worry to trust in our loving heavenly Father. He provides food for the birds of the air and clothes the flowers of the field - He cares for you. Our sister in Christ knew this well. She loved the beauty of her God’s creation, the birds, and her cats. It was a love of nature that she passed on to her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.
Dr. Martin Luther wrote, “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf of springtime.” Creation cries out to us there is a God! The cross cries out to us He has bought us back to Himself! Every sunrise is a promise that all who fall asleep trusting in Jesus their Good Shepherd will rise again!
Our lives are not a series of misfortunate events - Jesus shepherds and leads us to where He needs us to be His hands to care and provide for others. David puts it this way, Psalms 23:3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Sunday after Sunday our Risen Ascended and Enthroned Good Shepherd Jesus - restores our souls. He speaks to us the triumph of the cross and the victory of His empty tomb, “I forgive you all your sins!” When His Word is spoken - sinners are restored - God remembers their sin no more! Then He feeds us His Word, His body and blood, placing the Name of God upon us and sending us back into the world to be His hands to serve and care for all.
Imogene, knew that she wasn’t perfect, she knew that she was a sinner - forgiven by God’s grace in Jesus alone. September 13th she again confessed her sins and heard the good news that God forgave her all - He restored her soul never to abandon her or forsake her.
That night we prayed the 23rd Psalm together - Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Thanking your Good Shepherd. A Christian is never alone, they never suffer alone, they never die alone - Jesus is with us. He has knit us into His body in Holy Baptism.
This was our sister’s joy to confess with David, Psalms 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. There in the hospital room - Jesus set His table before her - He said, “Take eat, this is My body, given for you!” “Take drink, this is My blood shed for you - for the forgiveness of all your sins!” Receiving the life of her Good Shepherd she could pray with Simeon, Luke 2:29-32 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; (30) For my eyes have seen Your salvation (31) Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, (32) A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." It was a song she sang often here in the sanctuary after feasting with Jesus, a song she rejoiced to hear her family sing.
Our Good Shepherd doesn’t abandon those He has called in the water of baptism. He doesn’t forget your face or name - He knows you personally - He chases you - listen: Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.” After speaking the benediction, Imogene talked of her grandchildren - she didn’t want them to walk away from the Good Shepherd or be offended that some may not always recognize them at Emmanuel. Paul wrote comforting the tearful pastor Timothy saying,
2 Timothy 1:3-5 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, (4) greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, (5) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
Granny’s great inheritance to you is Jesus, your Good Shepherd, who is present in His Church through His Word and sacraments. Sunday morning the 13th came and Imogene suffered another brain bleed, she was put into hospice. Even there she heard the voice of her Good Shepherd through hymns, prayers, and scripture readings. Finally her last hour came - God granted her a blessed end - she fell asleep in the arms of Jesus rejoicing in His amazing grace. Years ago she wrote down her funeral wishes. In it she included this poem, a hymn, for all her family. Let it be Granny’s ongoing word to comfort and encourage you as you mourn her death:
1 My shepherd will supply my need – Jehovah is his name.
In pastures fresh he makes me feed Beside the living stream.
He brings my wand'ring spirit back When I forsake his ways
And leads me, for his mercy's sake, In paths of truth and grace.
2 When I walk through the shades of death, His presence is my stay;
One word of his supporting breath Drives all my fears away.
His hand, in sight of all my foes, Will still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows; His oil anoints my head.
3 The sure provisions of my God Attend me all my days;
Oh, may his house be my abode And all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest While others go and come,
No more a stranger or a guest But like a child at home.
Christian Worship (1993): a Lutheran hymnal #374
Text and Music : Public Domain Amen.
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