Jerry Chloyd Runkle

Jerry Chloyd Runkle was born in Monona County, Iowa on September 27, 1915 to Frank and Chloie (Scherer) Runkle and passed away October 9, 2006 at The Groves in Independence, Missouri. He was born into and raised in the RLDS faith (Community of Christ) and remained actively involved his entire life. He held the priesthood offices of Priest, Elder, High Priest and Evangelist. He was a member of The Groves Congregation at the time of his death.
He married Wilma Michael on August 19, 1938. Two children completed their family: Jerry Michael and Jane Catherine. Jerry and Wilma enjoyed traveling together. They visited all 50 United States, all Provinces and Territories in Canada and many foreign countries.
After high school in Pisgah, Iowa, he attended Graceland College for one year followed by Iowa State Teachers� College (University of Northern Iowa) where he earned his Bachelors of Arts degree, and the University of Iowa where he received his Masters. He also pursued doctoral work at the University of California, Berkeley. He began his teaching career at the High School level in Clarence and DeWitt, Iowa. He then joined the faculty at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa where he taught Business and Economics for 36 years. Graceland recognized him with the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1978 and an Honorary Doctoral Degree in 1990.
While living in Lamoni, Jerry was a member of the City Council and Utility Board. He was a member of the Lamoni Congregation where he served as Pastor and Councilor to the Lamoni Stake President.
Jerry retired from Graceland in 1978. He and Wilma then moved to Independence, Missouri where he worked as an advisor to the Presiding Bishopric of The Community of Christ Church. They joined the Pleasant Heights Congregation where they were active for many years.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Leroy Runkle, and a sister Aleta Page. He leaves behind a loving family: his wife, Wilma, of Independence; son Jerry Michael Runkle and wife Candace, of Emporia, Kansas; daughter Jane Kunz and husband Bruce of Kansas City, Missouri; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be at 2 pm, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006 at The Groves Community Room, 1515 W. White Oak, in Independence. Interment will be at a later date in Magnolia, Iowa. The family suggests contributions to the General Scholarship Fund at Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa.