Lewis J. Runkle, 91, of Edwardsburg passed away Monday, May 9, 2010 at Brentwood Assisted Living of Niles from natural causes.

Lewis was born May 11, 1918 in Edwardsburg and had lived his whole life in there, except for some time after retirement spend in Florida. He retired from being a manufacturer’s representative for Rockford Products of Rockford, Ill. and also in independent sales. He graduated from Edwardsburg High School and attended college for business education.
Lewis served in the United States Army during World War II in Italy and in Africa. He was awarded two Bronze Stars. He returned home in 1945 and joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and served until 1953.

Lewis was married Sept. 27, 1947 in Rockford, Ill. to Olive M. Stanton; she passed away June 10, 1989. Later, he married Jessie Dales, a native from North Bay, Ontario; she preceded him in death.

Surviving are two children, Robert (Lesly) Runkle, of Edwardsburg and Margo Runkle and her partner Lucinda Huhn, both of Union Pier; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Lewis H. and Mildred (Stevenson) Runkle; his sister and her husband, Adelaide and Richard Beckwith; and his brother and his wife, Thomas and Esther Runkle.

Friends and family will be received Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, 26863 West Main St., Edwardsburg. There will be graveside services Thursday, May 13, 2010 at Edwardsburg Cemetery at 11 a.m. The service will be conducted by St. Peter’s Masonic Lodge of Edwardsburg.

Following the Masonic service, the U.S. Army Honor Guard will play “Taps” and fold the flag.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Cass County Council on Aging, 60525 Decatur Rd., Cassopolis, MI 49031, or to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.