Service Information
George Runke, age 80, of Cosmos, Minnesota, husband of Shirley, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Ocala, Florida.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. and will continue one hour prior to the service, ALL at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township.
Obituary
George Albert Henry Runke, Jr. was born on May 14, 1941, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of George and Rachel (Duehlmeier) Runke. George was made a child of God by Baptism on June 22, 1941, by Reverend Krueger, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 22, 1955, by Reverend Beck, both at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township. He received his education at St. John’s Lutheran School until 8th grade and later attended Hutchinson High School, and was a graduate with the class of 1959.
On June 10, 1962, George was united in marriage to Shirley Rittgers at Beckville Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with five children, Debra, Dale, Dean, Daniel, and Darla. George and Shirley resided in Cosmos, Minnesota, and later moved to West Palm Beach, Florida for the winter months. They shared 59 years of marriage.
George worked on the family farm with his father until he started his own business, SkyAg Inc., doing aerial application. He was on the board of directors for Minnesota Aerial Applicators and attended many state conventions and national conventions. George was also a member of the Minnesota Flying Farmers, where he held duties as President and Treasurer.
George enjoyed fishing with his sons, grandsons, and friends. He also liked to ‘tinker” with mechanical work, often reworking a piece of machinery to his liking. George especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
George passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at E.W. & Lucille Cates House in Ocala, Florida, at the age of 80 years.
Blessed be his memory.
George is survived by his:
Wife, Shirley Runke of Cosmos, MN;
Son, Dale Runke and his wife, Jackie of Ocala, FL;
Daughters, Debra Doesken and her husband, Mark of Derby, KS,
Darla Runke of Hutchinson, MN;
Daughter-in-law, Michelle Runke of Fayetteville, AR;
Sisters, Janice Elam and her husband, Gene of Litchfield, MN,
Lois Dahl and her husband, John of Dassel, MN;
Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
George is preceded in death by his Parents, George and Rachel Runke; Sons, Daniel and Dean Runke; Sister, Shirley Runke; Brother, Willard Runke; Parents-in-law, William and Annette Rittgers; Brother-in-law, David Rittgers.
Jacqueline Simmons says
Sending my deepest condolences Shirley in the loss of George. What a guy! Met you back in Hutch when George was crop dusting through my husband Pete Simmons! We visited him in burn unit. A tough guy! Take care. Sorry for your loss. Jacqueline Simmons
Darla Runke says
Thank you.
Michelle Flachmeyer says
Sorry to here of Geoge passing away.He was a great man .When ever I seen h he always,had a smile on his face he will be missed by many.Hugs and Prayers to the family.
Alan R. Koenig says
Sorry to hear of George’s passing. I understand that he also served in the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the USAF..
Donna(Ondracek)Engelen says
I had my first plane ride with George. My sympathies to all.
Sandy Lodes Langner says
George enjoyed attending the class if 1959 Reunions and greeting his life long friends with a smile. His friendship was always welcomed. It was always a pleasure to see him. Rest In Peace. Sandy Lodes Langner
Darlene Kotelnicki says
My grandmother was Elsie Kruger, Rachel’s sister. My dad, Earl, talked of George often and I remember meeting him several times.As a child and young adult, his crop dieting impressed me.Just thinking of all of you from the “extended” family.