Obituary: Mary S. Runkel

Editor's Note: This information was provided by Schmidt and Bartelt funeral home.

April 15, 1923 - Dec. 3, 2011

Runkel, Mary S.(nee Smiljanic) Of Sussex found peace on December 3, 2011 at the age of 88 years. Born in Milwaukee to John and Helen Smiljanic on April 15, 1923, she was raised in Oakfield and was a graduate of Lomira High School.

She is survived by her son Kurt Runkel, sisters Helen Abram, Jean Nack, Rose Smiljanic (Charles Alexander), and brother Douglas Smiljanic. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl Runkel, brothers Roko and John Smiljanic and sisters Martha Schafer, Alice Halvorsen and Lucille Kisser.

Mary retired from General Electric after working there for over 53 years and was a proud member of the Quarter Century Club. She was a skilled sewer and quilter. She enjoyed working in her garden and playing the organ.

She also kept a special place in her heart for her Croatian heritage. Mary was deeply devoted to her family and friends and will be dearly missed. 

Visitation on Thursday, December 8 at the FUNERAL HOME from 2PM until time of Funeral Service at 4PM. Private burial will take place at Lisbon Central Cemetery. Special thanks to the ICU at Waukesha Memorial Hospital for the kindness and compassion in Mary’s final days.