Frank J. Runzler

Runzler, Frank J. May 26, 1926 - October 15, 2010 Frank Runzler, loving husband, devoted father, fun-loving grandfather and loyal friend, died peacefully after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 84. Frank was the second of four children born to Frank W. and Marguerite Gruenwald Runzler of Burlington, Wisc. He attended grammar and high school in Burlington, where he played on the high school football team. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as an airplane mechanic and crew chief, maintaining B-17 bombers in Europe and Africa. After receiving his honorable discharge, Frank attended the University of Wisconsin, and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, where he made many lifelong friends. After graduating he moved to Chicago, where he met his future wife and soulmate, Marguerite "Mac" Gendron. Married on Nov. 27, 1952, Frank and Mac had five children, Michael, Terry, John (who died at childbirth), Maripat and Nancy. The family frequently moved in those early years, living at various times in Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, California and Texas before settling for the last time Irvine, Calif. While in Illinois, the family lived in Park Ridge from 1960-1967, where Frank served briefly on the District 64 Board of Education. He was also a member of the local VFW and American Legion chapters. In Irvine, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Professionally, Frank was a salesman's salesman. At various times in his career, he sold everything from industrial goods to food products and oil field supplies. His life and career changed when he was named general manager of Pik-Nik shoestring potatoes in 1967 and moved his family to San Jose, Calif. He later was promoted to general manager of Gebhardt's Mexican Foods in San Antonio, Texas. Ultimately he returned to California in 1977 and founded his own company, Frank J. Runzler and Associates, providing supplies to oil fields throughout southern California. While Frank loved his work, he adored his family. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to making life better for family and friends. He assisted his parents and aunts in their later years, selflessly giving his time to ensure they were never left alone. Similarly, he supported his wife and children, lifting when they fell, celebrating when they succeeded. In his final months, he was saddened that illness left him unable to help others. Frank was devoted to his Wisconsin Badgers, loved sports of all kinds and enjoyed golfing with family and friends. He enjoyed hosting spontaneous barbecues at his home for his children and their families, smoking a good cigar, reminiscing and telling a good joke. His loving wife Mac was his constant companion, and stood by him as disease slowly robbed him of his vitality. Always devoted, she was at his side during his final hours. Frank is survived by his wife, Mac; their children, Michael, Terry, Maripat and Nancy; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Fr. Colm Conlon celebrated a funeral Mass at St. John Neumann. Interment will be at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. The family asks that any donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Parkinson Foundation. O'Connor Mortuary, (949) 581-4300 www.oconnormortuary.com