John Frederick RUNGE

Beloved husband of the late Joyce Runge of Guelph. Dear father of Tim (Susan) Runge & Stephen Runge (Dixie Cochrane) and Robert Runge (deceased). Cherished Grandfather of Jack, TJ (Tim), Samantha & Chloe. John passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 12, 2021, in his 98th year. The last few years with dementia have been difficult on all of us, and especially him. But he continued to do the best he could. He was often found sitting in his wheelchair with a magazine or book in his hand. Technology was helpful through all of it, especially during Covid allowing him to stay in touch with his family, in as far-flung places as Germany. We cannot thank the staff at St. Joseph's Health Centre enough. They always looked after Dad with a smile, even though as time passed, he grew more and more difficult as a cooperative resident; thank-you. Nerry, Eleanor and Ami, his care-givers during the later years helped keep Dad in his home until we finally had to move him into St. Joe's where Joyce was already living. Dad grew up in Ottawa and studied at his beloved Queen's during the war where he was a member of the Royal Canadian Army Services Corp graduating in 1946. After graduation he was hired by Armco in Guelph where he married Joyce (Holler) in 1954. There he and Joyce raised three boys. In the late 60's he bought a piece of property -site unseen- on Lake Huron in Kincardine next to his brother Wally, and he built a cottage which remains in the family today. He cherished those times at the Lake. Their house was always filled with pets of all description and at least 4 or 5 cats and a dog which made trips to the cottage interesting. Joyce and John were both active with the Guelph Humane Society for many years. John eventually became President of the Guelph Humane Society. His engineering degree allowed him to assist in the design of the shelter that precedes the current one. John is predeceased by his mother and father, Walter, and Elizabeth Runge. Also predeceased by his brothers Walter and Bill and son, Robert Runge. A short graveside service will take place at Wilmot Reformed Mennonite Cemetery outside of New Hamburg on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 11 a.m. a luncheon will be following the service. As expressions of sympathy, Donations to the Guelph Humane Society and/or St. Joseph's Health Centre would be greatly appreciated.
Personal condolences and donation information available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca