Harold Runkle

Harold D. Runkle, 81, died at home peacefully March 17, 2022. He was born March 22, 1940, in Bluffton, Indiana and was the first child born at the Bluffton Clinic. He was the son of Kenneth Lester Runkle and Lillian (Trout) Bodenhorn. He was raised by his father and stepmother Ima Jean Harold graduated from Warren High School, Class of 1958. Following graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Koby, and they built a house in Bluffton, Indiana.  He was drafted and served two years in the U.S. Army. He and Betty celebrated 62 years of marriage in October. Harold was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting, fishing, and master fly tier. He was an artist and a wood worker creating all of the beautiful woodwork at their home. He was a long-time member of the Cree Lake Archery Club and traveled all over competing in archery tournaments. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Karen, and his grandson, Ian Pemberton.  

Surviving in addition to his wife, Betty, are his daughter, Dawn M. Pemberton and her husband Thomas O. Pemberton of Greentown, Indiana and their children Kate A. Schink with her husband Brian Schink and their son Liam Schink of Avon, Andrew T. Pemberton and his wife Ashley and their daughter Eliana; his daughter, Mary Beth Bouterse and her husband Bob Bouterse of Danville, Indiana; his son Jeremy Runkle of Wolcottville. He is also survived by his brother Randall Runkle and his wife Yvette of Bluffton; his sister Kenna and her husband Roger Hippenhammer of Noblesville; and his brother Theron Miller and his wife Clara.

Visitation with the family will be at the Woodruff Grove United Methodist Church, 4860 S. 450 E. Woodruff, Indiana on March 23rd, 2022rd from 10 a.m. to noon with service of remembrance held at noon directly afterwards at the church. Burial will follow at Woodruff Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Woodruff Grove United Methodist Church. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home. 

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