Eileen E. Burkmire

Eileen E. Burkmire, 78 of Middlebury Indiana passed peacefully with loved ones by her side on October 13, 2021.

Eileen, born a twin; began life in Emmetsburg, Iowa on July 17, 1943. She was born the daughter of the late Carl Runneberg and Edna Mae (Stover) Runneberg.

Eileen grew up in rural Pocahontas County Iowa; she enjoyed sharing memories of her time spent with siblings on the farm, from chores to playing in the hay, hide and seek in the cornfields, playing dress up with sisters and cousins to Sunday gatherings with neighbors and family.

Eileen’s love for music led her to having the privilege playing the saxophone for the Lauren’s High School band until she graduated in 1962. Eileen had many joys in life. Watching her grandchildren grow and flourish was one of her great loves.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, she spent time riding horses in her early days of saddle club.  She liked to go fishing, reading, music, dancing, working in her vegetable and flower gardens, sewing, stitching, and crocheting special items for her children and grandchildren. She graciously donated her time and sewing talents to help others in need.

Eileen was previously married to Donald Leith of Pocahontas Iowa. They had three children together; Dennis, Dean, and Debra.  After their divorce Eileen married Edwin Burkmire in Elkhart Indiana on June 29, 1974.  Ed’s children Karen, Mike, Kathy and Doug along with Eileens three children formed a new family. Eileen and Ed together bought and ran Southern Style restaurant for nearly 20 years in Goshen Indiana. Many came from all over to have some of the best biscuits and gravy in town. Eileen and Ed enjoyed traveling together. Israel, Alaska, Hawaii and of course Iowa to name some of their favorite spots.

This servant of God, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and best friend is survived by her loving husband of 48 years Edwin Burkmire; seven children, Dennis Leith, Creston Iowa, Dean (Patti) Leith, Creston Iowa,  Debra (Michael) Jacka, Middlebury Indiana, Karen (Don) Schnoebelen, Elkhart Indiana,  Mike (Jen) Burkmire, Wasilla Alaska, Kathy (Ron) Dresser Fort Wayne, Indiana, Doug (Lori) Burkmire, Plainfield Indiana; Eighteen loving grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; three siblings, Jerry (Mary) Runneberg of Laurens Iowa, Luverne (Janet) Runneberg of Everly Iowa, Sheryl Runneberg of Spencer Iowa and many loved nieces and nephews.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Edna Mae Runneberg; twin sister Elaine Jarrett and brother-in-law Norman Jarrett.

In accordance with Eileen’s wishes, cremation was chosen. The family will be holding a memorial service along with a family and friends celebration of life at a later date.

Eileen was a beautiful soul and will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to a memorial fund (Saint David’s Church, Elkhart) or a charity of choice in Eileen‘s honor.