Irene Florence Runia

Sibley, Iowa Irene Runia, age 87 of Sibley, Iowa died Thursday, May 8, 2008 at her home in Sibley. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Monday, May 12th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley, with Rev. Scott Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at the Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley. Visitation will be Sunday, May 11th fro m 2 " 8 PM, with the family present from 6 " 8 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Irene Florence Runia was born on October 17, 1920, the daughter of George and Flora (Rosemore) Ricklefs in Alcester, SD. She grew up in Ireton and after high school was given a scholarship to Ames. But due to no car and the long distance, Irene went to work at the ASC office. Irene met her late husband, Peter, in Orange City, Iowa. They dated for four years and married on August 17, 1940. They were married for sixty-five years. After their marriage they lived in several places such as Quad Cities, California, and North Carolina. During Petes time in the service, Irene came back to Bettendorf, Iowa to work in the office at the munitions plant. Irene and Pete moved to Sibley in 1949, where Irene gave birth to their only daughter Sherry. Irene thoroughly enjoyed entertaining friends, helping at church, school, and in the community, playing bridge and pinochle. She was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley. She was very happy to be a stay-at-home mother. She helped Peter with bookkeeping for his welding business and enjoyed Lake Okoboji during the summer months. Upon retirement Peter and Irene took several trips to enjoy being together. Irene is survived by her daughter, Sherry Craig of Dakota Dunes, SD and one brother Lorence Ricklefs of Nebraska. She is preceded in death by her husband Peter in 2006; one sister and two brothers.