Obituary: Lydia Olivia Rewis Runkel

Lydia Olivia Rewis Runkel, of Waukesha, died on Friday, March 23, 2012, at her residence at the age of 94.

She was born on April 14, 1917, in Atlanta, GA, the daughter of the late Millard and Elizabeth (nee Rogers) Rewis. In the spring of 1935, Lydia was honored as a student outstanding in art and was awarded a four-year scholarship offered by the Delaware County Federation of Women’s Clubs. In 1939 she was the recipient of a European traveling fellowship and studied in Italy, Switzerland and France where her trip was cut short by the start of World War II; she was able to board one of the last ships to America.

Lydia graduated in 1941 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. She also studied at the Moore Institute of Art and the Philadelphia School of Design for Women as well as the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Lydia was a professor at Carroll College from 1941-1945 where she headed the art department. While teaching at Carroll College, Lydia met faculty member Joseph Runkel, they courted and then married in Virginia in June of 1942.

Continuing her education Lydia received her master’s degree in art from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She belonged to the First Congregational United Church of Christ for many years. Lydia served as a Regent of The Daughters of the American Revolution, was an activist in peace demonstrations, also was a founding supporter of the Hebron House and served as the President of the Waukesha Women’s Club.

She will be sadly missed by her loving son, Phil Runkel, of Waukesha. She is further survived by a niece Carolyn Key, a nephew Richard Rewis, cousins, other relatives and many friends. A special thank you to Susie, Katie and all the loving caregivers at Patty Care as well as Vitas Hospice. Additionally a heartfelt thank you to Al, Maureen, Jonathan, Bob, Ellen and John. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband Joseph on Oct. 10, 1978, and brother Millard Rewis.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 from 4 p.m. until the funeral service at 7 p.m. at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. The Rev. Ralph Schultz will preside.  Interment will be at Prairie Home Cemetery on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 10 a.m. Please meet at the cemetery office.

Memorials are appreciated to: Carroll University, 100 N. East Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186, First Congregational United Church of Christ, 100 East Broadway, Waukesha, WI 53186, Hebron House of Hospitality, 1601 E Racine Ave # 103, Waukesha, WI 53186, or Waukesha Catholic Worker, 615 Lake Street, Waukesha, WI 53186.

For further information please call at 262-547-4035 or go to http://www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute.