Elizabeth Joy Runkel

Elizabeth J. Runkel, 93, of Goshen and formerly of St. Joseph, Michigan died Monday, May 18, 2020 at Goshen Hospital.

She was born July 10, 1926 in Hartford, Wisconsin to John and Millie (Brown) Sterman.

On July 31, 1954 she married Rev. Curtis W. Runkel in Hartford, Wisconsin.  They were blessed with 47 years of marriage prior to his death on January 10, 2002.

Survivors include two daughters, Rachel (Thomas) Arentsen of Hales Corners, Wisconsin and Ruth (Stephen) Carlson of Bristol; five grandchildren, Kristina (Richard) Bridenstein, Karolyn (Grant) Osborn, Jordan Arentsen, Breann (fiancée, Marshall Chew) Arentsen, and Matthew Arentsen; and four beloved great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Hazel Bast and a brother, Lester Sterman.

Elizabeth was a beautician and owned her own salon in Hartford, Wisconsin until she and Curtis were married.  They were devoted to their ministry with the United Church of Christ, serving at First Congregational Church of Hartford, Somers Community UCC, in Wisconsin, Zion Evangelical UCC, St. Joseph, Michigan and St. John’s UCC, Three Oaks, Michigan.

Elizabeth moved to Greencroft and stayed active, volunteering in the beauty shop and attending church at Plymouth UCC, Goshen.

A private burial and memorial service will be held at a later date in Hartford, Wisconsin.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Autism Speaks www.act.autismspeaks.org .

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen is assisting the family with arrangements.