Mary Lou (Runkle) Brunstein

Mary Lou (Runkle) Brunstein was born November 6, 1929 in Jefferson City, MO to loving parents, Ernest and Anna Nilges Runkle.  She always felt blessed to not only have her parents, but her siblings, Leonard, Helen and Susie.  Raised during the depression money was nowhere to be found, but the faith, love and devotion of her parents formed her into the wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and follower of Christ she has been over her 94 years.

Mary Lou graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1947 and continued to have lifelong friendships with her classmates over the years.

Soon after she became employed by Public Loan, and while serving the company, she was placed in several locations from Missouri to Minnesota until she finally landed in Keokuk, Iowa.  It was soon after her arrival in Keokuk that she met Robert Brunstein. When Bob first saw her, he told his boss he met the woman he was going to marry.  After four months they were united in marriage at First Lutheran Church on December 1, 1949.  He preceded her in death in 2003.

After the youngest of her children, Teresa, started kindergarten she began working for Dr Robert Kemp and worked in his office for a little over 20 years.  Mary Lou always enjoyed her co-workers and patients, many who became life-long friends.

In 1952 Bob and Mary Lou became members of First Lutheran Church.  She was active in the Women’s Circle, Bible Study, Altar Guild, Quilting for Lutheran World Relief and served as a Sunday School teacher.  One of her greatest joys was decorating for special events and wanting everything to match, even down to the nut cups for the banquets.  She also loved participating in the annual church bazaar as Christmas approached.  She, along with the other women of the church, provided crafts and wonderful meals.  Not only was she excited to support the ministry of First Lutheran, but the funds the women used to help those in the community. Her cheesy potatoes were a highlight at every church event.

Mary Lou relished her friendships and the children of her friends.  The many card parties, trips and Christmas parties they shared with family friends brought her great joy, especially putting together little gifts for her friends’ children and grandchildren.  Trips and playing cards with the Azingers, Washburns and Starks were stables when the children were young. Times with their friends the Schmadekes, Wixoms and Lammerings also filled the house with laughter.  Her very special friends Irene Collins and Betty Young brought a twinkle to her eye.

After both Bob and Mary Lou retired they loved traveling in their 5th wheel with their dear friends Dale and Burnetta Cummins.  Laughter, shopping, visiting and games marked their time together as well.

After her retirement she and her husband opened Keepsake Korner, a shop with collectables and antiques.  One of her greatest enjoyments was looking for treasures and bargains at garage sales and shops, usually with her longtime friend Annabelle Lammering.

Mary Lou was a loving and devoted wife to her husband Bob and an incredible mother to her children.

Surviving are Steven (Verna) Brunstein of Montrose, IA, Barbara (Michael) Lemke of Aurora, CO and Teresa (Louis) Clark of Keokuk, IA. She was a Grandma that loved and cherished her grandchildren; Trenton (Renee) Brisby, Andy Clark, Brian (Sara) Clark, Alex (Lindsey) Brunstein and Rachel Brunstein.  Her eyes and heart would light up when her great-grandchildren would enter the room.  She loved watching videos or playing, as best she could with Harrison Brisby, William Brisby, Drew Clark and Vada Clark.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her siblings, Leonard Runkle, Helen Fay and husband Robert, Susie Craig and husband Robert, and great nephew Jamie Fay.

Visitation with family and friends will be at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home at 917 Blondeau, Friday, April 12 from 5-7 P.M.  Her celebration of life will begin on Saturday, April 13 at 11:00 A.M.at First Lutheran Church, 1101 Blondeau, followed by a reception in the church.  Burial will be at the National Cemetery, Monday, April 15 at 10:00 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Lutheran Church.

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