Richard Gerald Runge

Richard (Dick) Gerald Runge, 85, of Howard, Wisconsin passed away from complications of dementia at home surrounded by family on January 16, 2026. Dick was born in Joliet, Illinois on January 31, 1940, to parents Richard W. and Celia R. (nee Ochs) Runge. He attended St. Patrick's Grade School and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School, Class of 1958.

Dick married the one true love of his life, Christine M. Pack, on May 4, 1968, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Menasha, Wisconsin. They met after Dick swept her off her feet, literally and figuratively, by knocking Chris into a snowbank while on a ski trip in the Upper Peninsula and later buying her a hot chocolate.

Dick possessed a strong work ethic from an early age. He held his first job at the age of 8 stocking shelves at Byron's Grocery in Joliet. After High School, Dick served his country in the Illinois National Guard from 1959 to 1965. During this time, he also graduated from the Chicago Barber College and cut hair at Jack's Barber Shop on Joliet's East Side. Shortly after marrying Chris, he became a firefighter with the Joliet Fire Department. Dick received an Associate in Fire Science Degree from Joliet Junior College, making him the first in his family to obtain a college degree.

As a decorated firefighter and paramedic, Dick served his community faithfully assisting in developing a youth fire safety educational program for local elementary schools. As a parent of two children, he often volunteered his time as a coach for flag football, volleyball and basketball at St Paul's Catholic School. After retiring, Dick and Chris moved to Neenah, Wisconsin to be nearer to family. Later, they relocated to Haines City, Florida where they spent 28 of the happiest years of their life together. While there, they made many lifelong friends and enjoyed cruising and traveling the world.

Dick had a larger-than-life personality and was loved by many. His storytelling abilities were second to none. Throughout his life, Dick enjoyed many hobbies and pursuits. In his youth, he loved fishing, snow skiing, water skiing, bowling, and playing cards with friends and family. A favorite memory of Dick is him teaching younger family members how to water ski and taking people on boat rides. Dick and Chris have always enjoyed entertaining at their home with family and friends.

Dick was devoted to his family and is survived by a loving and committed wife of 57 years Christine (Pack) Runge: his son Kurt R. (Tiffany) Runge of New Port Richey, Florida; his daughter Susan C. (Chris) Lagerquist of Little Suamico, Wisconsin: three granddaughters, Taryn (Travis) Stedman, Karly Runge and Anikka Lagerquist: two sisters, Sharon (Daniel) Kallan, Sandra (Paul) Allen of Joliet, Illinois. Dick is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nancy (John) Wood.

The family would like to thank the Odd Fellow Rebekah Home and Aurora Baycare Hospice nurses and staff for their compassionate support and treatment in Dick's final weeks. Additionally, the family would also like to recognize the spiritual support from members of the Saints Edward and Isidore Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Saints Edward and Isidore Catholic Church, 3667 Flintville Road in Flintville, WI with Father Scott Valentyne officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM prior to the start of Mass.

For those unable to attend the Mass in-person, a livestream of the funeral service can be found by accessing the church's Facebook page.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Odd Fellow Rebekah Home or Aurora Baycare Hospice.