Darrell M. Runke

Runke, Darrell M. Passed away March 21, 2007 in Naples, FL. Was born July 16, 1919 in Beauford Township, Mapleton, Minnesota, the son of Max E. Runke and Cora E. (McMahon) Runke. Mr. Runke grew up on the Beauford corners in Blue Earth County. He attended country school, district 86 in Beauford. Upon completion of eight grades in country school, Mr. Runke attended Mapleton High School, Mapleton, Minnesota graduating in 1935, at the age of fifteen. After completion of secondary school he worked on the farm and the John Deere Implement business his father operated in Beauford. In 1938 Mr. Runke enrolled at Mankato State Teachers College, now Minnesota State University. A Veteran of World War II, Mr. Runke enlisted in the the United States Army Infantry Training Replacement Center stationed at Camp Roberts, California. After completing the thirteen week training course, he was retained as a Drill Instructor. Later he was commissioned as a Corporal and Sergeant. Upon completion he transferred to the United Sates Army Air Corp Navigation Training School, Meether Field, California. He graduated in March of 1943 as a Navigation Officer and Radar Observer. On March 24, 1943 he married Phyllis Wilkens of Mapleton, Minnesota. In 1944 was sent to Salenie Air Base for training to fly B-29 bombers. He flew bombing missions over Japan with 315th Wings. Later he was stationed on Okinawa. After returning to the sates from active duty with an honorable discharge on January 6, 1946, serving 56 months of miliary service to his country, Mr. Runke then again enrolled at Mankato State Teachers college, graduating in 1946. Upon graduation, he received the Sigma Zota Award for the highest scholastic average in the field of science in the graduating class. Upon completion of his four year degree, Mr. Runke taught science in the Mapleton High School Mapleton, Minnesota until 1948. In 1948 Mr. Runke was hired by Supersweet Feeds, New Ulm, Minnesota, as a chemist of nutrition for the company. In 1951 Supersweet Feeds was purchased by International Milling, known today as Multifoods, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Runke in 1968 was named a Director and Vice-President of Multifoods and 1969 President of Multifoods. He served this position until his retirement in 1984. After retiring from Multifoods, Mr. Runke and his wife, Phyllis moved from Edina, Minnesota home to Naples, Florida. In 1980 Mr. Runke and wife Phyllis were the Commander of the Summer Minneapolis Aquatennial. During his retirement in Florida Mr. Runke was elected the first president of Park Plaza Condo Association. Both he and wife were active members of the Naples United Church which Mr. Runke served on the board of Trustee, chairman and later moderator. Mr. Runke is survived by his loving wife , Phyllis of 64 years, on March 24, 2007 of marriage; children, Vicky (Roger) Woitas, Kenneth Runke, Timmy Runke, Sally (Robert) Fisher, Betsy (Jerry) Vanienetti; grandchildren, Mark (Bridget) Woitas, Amy (Mark) Smekrud, Michael Fisher, Reggie Fisher; and six great-grandchildren; siblings, Maxine Knewtson, Mapleton, Carol Roberts, Austin, Minnesota, Stanley (Anna) Runke, D.D.S. San Diego, California, Marilyn Howell, Garner, Iowa; and aunt, Evelyn Maurer of Madelia, Minnesota (100 years old). Mr. Runke was preceded in death by sister, Dorthy Tuttle, brother, Floyd Runke and parents, Max and Cora Runke. A memorial service will be held Tues March 27 at 1 PM at Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples. Inurnment will follow the service in the church Memorial Garden. Fuller Funeral Home Pine Ridge Road 239-592-1611
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.