This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Elaine Runkel, 90, born on May 7, 1924 and passed away peacefully on August 24, 2014. She was born May 7, 1924 in Herreid, SD. to John and Ione Bickel. We will remember her forever.

She is survived by her son David Runkel, daughters Karen Runkel , Leone Tomlinson (John) and daughter-in-law Diane Bain Runkel, brothers Wesley Bickel (Maxine), Russell Bickel and Jerauld Bickel (Marie), sisters Lorraine Sander, Marilyn Courtney (Mike) and Janice Torgeson (Ed) , grandsons David Runkel, Jr. and Jeffrey Tomlinson, granddaughter Ashley Tomlinson, step-grandson Terry Bain, great grandchildren Layne, Layla, Jace and Remi, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert, son Robert, sisters Arla Abrahamson  and Delora Stanton.

Elaine and Delbert met in Onamia, Minnesota and were married on June 5, 1945 at Peace Lutheran Church in Puyallup. They raised their family from their home above the fairgrounds. They square danced, camped, played cards and worked the hay fields together for many years.

Elaine was active right to the end. She attended church, played cards with her friends, tied quilts with other members of the church – driving herself to these activities weekly. She did her own shopping, worked in her garden, was an officer of the Fruitland Grange and was a sought after pinochle partner at family gatherings. For over 40 years she hosted Thanksgiving at the Fruitland Grange for her extended family and friends, the last being in 2013.

Family and her faith were the central focus of her life. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and matriarch of her extended family. John was her favorite son-in-law. Fortunately, family and friends had the opportunity to celebrate her 90th birthday with her in May of this year. She attended and supported her church, Peace Lutheran, for over 69 years. She will be missed terribly.

A memorial service to celebrate Elaine’s life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 214 E Pioneer, Puyallup, WA 98372, on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine’s name to Colon Cancer Alliance, 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 1066, Washington, DC 20005; Peace Lutheran Church; or the charity of your choice.