Obituary of Marlene Runia

Memorial Tribute Marlene Joann Runia, the daughter of John and Gertie (Ketel) Runia, was born in Sibley, Iowa on January 9, 1946. She spent her childhood years on the family farm near Sibley. She attended grade school at Bigelow Christian School, and graduated from Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. Marlene taught in Christian elementary schools in Sully, Iowa; Hills, Minnesota; and Newton, Iowa for 30 years. Due to health concerns, she took an early retirement from teaching in 2004. During her retirement she continued to help many children by tutoring them in reading. She was a member of Cornerstone United Reformed Church and the Women’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study. She was known for remembering many people with her hand-crafted greeting cards. She enjoyed collecting Precious Moments figurines, playing games, baking, needlework, crossword puzzles, and was a faithful supporter and worker for Christian Schools. Marlene was especially close to her many nieces and nephews—treating them as if they were her own children. She passed away unexpectedly at the Sanford Sheldon Medical Center on Sunday, September 27, 2009, at the age of 63. Survivors include a sister, Lavera Krikke of Sanborn, a brother Marvin Runia and his wife Janice of Sibley, Iowa, and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Runia of Sibley; her nieces and nephews and their families: Ed and Sandra (Krikke) Kreykes, Eldon and Doris Krikke, Brian and Audrey (Krikke) Elgersma, Gary and Starla Krikke, Joe and Wanda (Runia) Wildeman, Calvin Runia, Duane Runia, Leon and Melissa Runia, Charlie and Brenda (Runia) Kuhl, Craig and Karen (Runia) Floyd, Larry and Lora (Runia) Hahka, Marlin and Kathy Runia, Julie Runia; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Lloyd Runia and brother-in-law Jake Krikke. In Loving Memory Of Marlene J. Runia Born ~ January 9, 1946 Died ~ September 27, 2009 Age ~ 63 years 8 months 18 days Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Cornerstone United Reformed Church ~ Sanborn, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Dan Donovan Organist ~ Donna Hofman Congregational Singing “In Sweet Communion, Lord with Thee” #138 “Jesus Loves Me” (handout) “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” #176 “God is our Refuge and Our Strength” #85 Pallbearers Eldon Krikke Gary Krikke Marlin Runia Calvin Runia Duane Runia Leon Runia Ushers Rod Den Hartog Jerry Van Beek Lance Van Beek Flower Attendants Junior and Gloria Postma Interment West Holman Township Cemetery ~ Sibley, Iowa 9:45 prior to the memorial service.