Shirley M. Runke

Obituary

Shirley Mae Runke was born on November 19, 1943, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was the daughter of William and Annette (Lee) Rittgers. Shirley was made a child of God by baptism on December 26, 1943, and later confirmed in her faith on May 11, 1958, both at Beckville Lutheran Church, rural Litchfield, Minnesota, by Rev. Carlson. She received her education at a country school district through the eighth grade and then completed her education at Litchfield High School, graduating with the class of 1961. Shirley continued her education with one year of vocational school, earning a secretarial degree.

On June 10, 1962, Shirley was united in marriage to George Runke Jr. at Beckville Lutheran Church in Litchfield. This marriage was blessed with five children, Debra, Dale, Dean, Daniel, and Darla. Shirley and George resided in Cosmos, Minnesota, and later moved to West Palm Beach, Florida for the winter months. They shared 59 years of marriage until George passed away on April 20, 2022.

In her younger years, Shirley was employed at the Emmaus home as a server and kitchen helper. She was also employed for Cedric Williams, Attorney at Law, and later at 3M in Hutchinson. After her marriage, Shirley became a bookkeeper and flagger for George’s aerial spray business, SkyAg Inc. Together, they were members of the Minnesota Flying Farmers and attended many state and national conventions. In 1987, Shirley was crowned queen for the state of Minnesota Flying Farmers.

Shirley enjoyed working with flowers and tending to her garden. While in Florida, Shirley was part of a group that made quilts for the disadvantaged as well as the veterans and sick members of the congregation. She especially enjoyed time spent with her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

Shirley passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 82 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Shirley is survived by her:
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;
Sister, Darlene Groskreutz of Litchfield, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Judi Rittgers of Tulsa, OK,
Lois Dahl and her husband, John of Dassel, MN;
Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by her Parents, William and Annette Rittgers; Husband, George Runke Jr.; Sons, Dean and Daniel Runke; Brother, David Rittgers; Parents-in-law, George and Rachel Runke; Sisters-in-law, Shirley Runke, Janice and Gene Elam; Brothers-in-law, Willard Runke, Raymond Groskreutz.