John Raymond Runge

John Runge, 86, of Ocala, Florida began his journey to eternal rest on April 24th, 2025.
He was born on November 24th, 1938 in Keokuk, Iowa to Theodore and Anna Runge. He was the last surviving sibling of ten.
He served in the Army and was stationed at White Sands, New Mexico as part of the US Army Missile Corps. He repaired and helped develop the electronics in surface-to-air missiles which were the precursors to the missiles that continue to defend our country and troops today. He was honorably discharged.
He attended Notre Dame for a management course while working for Motorola and was one of the only self-taught manufacturing engineers in the country. While living in Chatham, Illinois, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus, participated in Management Club, and golfed in an evening golf league. During his lifetime, he enjoyed gardening and reading and learning more about history, and was a devout Catholic.
He is survived by his wife, Gillie; his children, Shelley (Mark), and John S (Andrea); his grandchildren, Kelley (Justin), Marquette (Sam), and Lucas (Megan); his great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Kate, Archer, Graham, and Noah; his step-children Adriana, Chris, Rondre (Mischelle), and Florence (Sajeeva); and his step-grandchildren, Elijah (Brianna), Anniston, Megan (Andrew), Bennett, Sebastian, and Abby. He also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends who sadly miss him.
The family wants it known that there is a visitation on April 30, 2025 at Roberts of Ocala West Chapel (6241 SW State Rd 200 Ocala, FL 34476) from 2-5 PM.
There will be a Mass at Queen of Peace Catholic Church (6455 SW State Rd 200, Ocala, FL 34476) at 8:30 AM on May 1, 2025.
Donations in honor of John Raymond Runge can be sent directly to E.W. & Lucille Cates House (9505 SW 110th St, Ocala, FL 34481 or https://hospiceofmarion.org/donate/ ).