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George Runkle Obituary
PEORIA - George E. Runkle, 87, of Peoria passed away at 2:08 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, at Proctor Hospital.
He was born May 7, 1922, in Rushville, Ill., to Donald W. and Nancie Steele Runkle. He married Jeanne K. Waugh on March 20, 1944, in Peoria, and she survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Susan Blasco of Peoria; three sons, Jim (Marcey) Runkle of Peoria, Tom Runkle of Austin, Texas, and Tim Runkle of Peoria; four grandchildren, Scott, Josh, Ben and Jason; four great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Lee Ann Runkle, who lives in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and two brothers, Donald (Almeda) Runkle of Quincy, Ill., and Robert (Mary Helen) Runkle of Peoria. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by one son, David Runkle; and one granddaughter, Jayme Runkle.
He worked in his family's grocery store in Rushville for 20 years, then worked in sales for Key Equipment.
He was a World War II Marine Corps veteran and a member of the American Legion in Rushville.
George played basketball at Bradley University from 1940 through 1945. He was a member of Sigma Phi Fraternity, was a dedicated historian of Schuyler County and was very interested in genealogy. George was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1994. He was a Heart of Illinois Harvest volunteer and was an avid Bears, Bulls and Cubs fan.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Cremation rites will be accorded after the visitation, and burial of ashes will be in St. Mary's Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Heart of Illinois Harvest at 2606 W. Altorfer Drive, Peoria, IL 61615, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Tributes and condolences can be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Runkle
January 2, 2010
Jeanne, so saddened to learn about George. Our deepest sypmathies are with you and your family. Have always admired you for many things, including your strength. God be with you!
Fondly, Rose and Bill Heger
Don & Rosemary Vacca
December 29, 2009
Jean, Don and I were so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Please know that you are in our prayers.
December 29, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
December 28, 2009
Hi Jeanne: Sorry to hear of George's passing. What a shock. Got an e-mail from Heger's as we are in Florida at Stacy's house. We just talked with Barb at the store and she said you guys were doing great. Please know we will be praying for you and your family. Much love and prayers.
Pat & Stan Kerker
Bill & Carol (Cychol) Wrape
December 28, 2009
Aunt Jean,
We are so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies from Little Rock during this time of mourning. We hope your great memories of him will be a comfort to you and your family.
Dr. & Mrs J. S. Solovy
December 28, 2009
We extend our condolences.
December 27, 2009
TOM-WE WANT TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.AND WE WISH YOU GREAT MEMORIES. SO SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE SERVICES. SINCERELY, EDDIE AND JOANIE PAPIS
December 27, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of George's passing. Please know how much we enjoyed visits with your family throughout the years. Dave was a wonderful neighbor. Bob Strand, Steve & Tobi Gresback, Zane & Katie Gresback, Rob & Terri Strand, and Drew, Margo, and Cal Strand.
December 27, 2009
Jean & family
We wish to express our sympathy.
Alan & Bonnie Stephens
Reta Doss
December 27, 2009
To the Family of George,
I feel a loss right now of a wonderful person I was acquainted with through Lester's Donut Shop on Prospect. I had the privilege of sharing some good times with George and his sense of humor. Mrs. Runkle you are being remembered in my prayers and I trust you will accept my deepest condolences.
Margery Bettman
December 26, 2009
Dear Jeanne and Family,
My sympathy to you all at this time. Your memories of a life well lived will help you through this difficult time.
Augie was always happy to stop for a visit when he traveled near Rushville. They were fraternity brothers, as were both of my brothers, Roland and William Miller. Since Augie and George were Marines , they had another common bond.
May you all look upon George's life ( and yours) fondly and smile as you recall your life together!
Margery Miller Bettman
l246 Foxfire Lane
Naples, Florida 34104
[email protected]
December 26, 2009
Dear Jean and family,
I have many fond memories of George.
From having many dinners at Paul and Susie Chan's to George picking up bagels for the Illinois Harvest---always with a smile.
Sincerely,
Lana Rest and family
Judy Dagit
December 26, 2009
Jim,I am so sorry for your loss.My prayers are with you and your family.
In case you don`t remember me, I was a custodian at Woodruff for 5 years.
My last name used to be McFall.
Lynn Betts
December 26, 2009
Forever and always in my heart, Uncle George.
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