Irma Jayne Runge

April 30, 1926 - March 4, 2024

Charlotte, North Carolina - Irma Jayne Runge, age 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 4, 2024, in Charlotte. Irma and her husband, the Rev. Ed Runge, moved to Charlotte's Wesley Heights neighborhood in 1950, where Ed served as pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church. They executed the move of the church to its current east Charlotte location on Shenandoah Avenue in 1956. Irma had great memories of the 1950s in Charlotte, including the opening of the Charlotte Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, and Merchandise Mart near the family home, and of her favorite restaurant, The Oriental, at the corner of Trade and Tryon.

After moving the family in 1962 to serve a mission church in Charleston SC, Irma retuned to Charlotte in 2021, residing at Merrywood on Park. Irma was grateful for the expertise of Levine Cancer Center and the support of her Charlotte family, two sons and three Charlotte grandchildren and their families. She was a diehard Panthers fan who never missed a game and proudly wore her jersey when the players came to Merrywood to visit.

Irma will be remembered as a loving and outgoing lady who warmed those around her with her smile and laughter. She often wondered aloud why God left her on this earth so long, and she decided the purpose was for her to bring joy and encouragement to others. That was an easy task, as she never met a stranger and was unfailingly optimistic, living a faith-filled life as a devoted Christian. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Charlotte.

Irma is survived by her four children, on whom she and Ed impressed the importance of living lives of service – Richard Runge of Charlotte, the former pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Charlotte, Mary Jacob of Seattle, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Edgar Jr. (Skip) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, a mental health professional, and Jeffrey Runge of Charlotte, a physician formerly with Carolinas Healthcare System (Atrium Health). She adored her eight grandchildren Christopher Runge (Concord), Eric Runge (Charlotte), Timothy Runge (Indiana, PA), Jennifer Jacob (Seattle), Elizabeth Jacob-Files (Seattle), Jacob Addison Runge (1990-2018), Emily Bast (Charlotte) and William Runge (Brooklyn, NY), her thirteen great-grandchildren, and her devoted nieces Vicki Jayne and Ruth Ann Bowen, children of her departed siblings. Irma was married for 56 years until her husband's death in 2002.

Irma's ashes will be interred at Grace Lutheran Church in Ormond Beach, Florida, alongside her life partner, Ed, as they are reunited in Paradise.

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Published by Charlotte Observer on Mar. 12, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Irma Runge

5 Entries

Clyde ("Hoppy") Hohenstein

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Shannon Gregg

March 20, 2024

Wow...what a woman! Sounds like Mrs. Runge lead a very fulfilling life that had a positive impact on those around her. I am thankful for hers and Pastor Runge´s service to Calvary Lutheran Church. I have been a member there since I was about 8 years old! Pastor Duddleston was my pastor growing up. He confirmed me, married us, and was an active part of the lives of our children as well. So, please know that Mr. and Mrs. Runge and their service to Calvary has had a continued impact on many lives of people who have entered the doors of Calvary Lutheran Church. We recently had a trivia night for a fun fellowship, and pastor Runge´s name was included in the questions! My own mother (Betty Bivens age 69), and Pastor Duddleston also went to be with our Lord recently. Now they are worshiping around the thrown along with Mrs.Irma and Pastor Runge.

Steward Ingram & Cooper PLLC

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Ruth( Jones) Padgett MCSC School of Nursing 1966

March 14, 2024

Hers was a life well lived. My deepest sympathy and prayers for comfort.

Linda Keller

March 13, 2024

Mama Runge, as I affectionally called her, was a bright light that was always around her. I can remember when Mary and I were at MUSC, I would go to their Lutheran Church (Mary played the piano), and Irma would literally dance down the aisle with a warm smile, touch, and hello to everyone she passed. Irma lived her life imitating how Jesus lived his life. I don't think there was one person that she didn't love. she will be greatly missed, but Heaven has gained a new angel. I am so sorry for her family and their loss, but what a gift to have her as long as you did. Much love and many prayers for your healing.

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