Connie Lerner

Connie R. Runkel Lerner, 59, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away on October 9, 2020 at Parkview Hospital Randallia, Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born on February 7, 1961 in Huntington, Indiana, to Rex and Roberta M. (Correll) Runkel. 

After graduating from Manchester High School, Connie continued her studies at Earlham College, Manchester College, and Concordia University. She spent most of her adult life living in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but moved back to North Manchester in 2013, where she courageously battled and survived cancer.

Most recently Connie was employed at Health Insurance, Inc., Fort Wayne, Indiana, as a Health Benefits Coordinator. She was also serving as Vice President of Homeland Security Foundation of America, a public, non-government agency with the Mission to advance Homeland Security while preserving Americans' civil liberties through life saving public safety, health and human services programs. In the past she had been employed at WBCL Christian Radio Station, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and HR America, Fort Wayne. During her time off, Connie enjoyed making Diamond Paintings for family and friends and was an avid reader.

The loving memory of Connie R. Runkel Lerner will be forever cherished by her brothers, Gary (Karen) Runkel and Steve (Cindy) Runkel, both of North Manchester, Indiana; nieces, Katrina (Jeff) Wilson, Daniel Island, South Carolina, Tricia (Brian Funk) Runkel, Chicago, Illinois, Jama (Jorge) Garcia, Torina Runkel, and great-niece, Layanah Garcia, all of North Manchester, Indiana; nephew, Brian (Lindsay) Runkel and great-nephew, Elias Runkel, both of Syracuse, Indiana. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Roberta Runkel.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Connie Runkel Lerner, memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Security Foundation of America, 4575 Webb Bridge Road #4876, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 or Foundation for Women's Cancer, 230 West Monroe, Suite 710, Chicago, Illinois 60606. 

The family has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.