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Sacramento State University Santa Clara University

Matthew Runte Obituary

Matthew John Runte Resident of Walnut Creek May 22, 1960 - Nov. 27, 2009 Matthew Runte passed away in a tragic sailing accident off the Northern California coast. Beloved husband of Julia Ankunding, MD, devoted father of Alex and Sophia Runte, loving son of John and Ora Runte, he was the caring brother of Ora Emmerich, Eric Runte, Ken Runte, Jennifer Poe, Dan Runte and Rachel Little. Matt loved sailing, skiing, and motorcycling. He and his wife, Julia, met in 1988 and after completing the Donner Lake triathlon knew they were destined for each other. He was incredibly proud of his children's scholastic, musical and athletic accomplishments. Matt was deeply involved with his community and his children's many activities. Anyone who met Matt instantly knew what a kind, gentle and friendly man he was. He touched many lives and through them his memory will live on forever. He was born in Milwaukee, WI. Matt was honorably discharged from the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician, First Class in 1984. He received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Sacramento State in 1988. He worked as an electrical engineer for several years before continuing his education and completed his MBA at Santa Clara University in 1994. While working at Westin Engineering he planned, developed and started his own business, Diamond Services, an engineering and design firm. More recently, his business venture was starting an independent engineering consulting firm, Lexia, named for his children, Alex and Sophia. A Rosary will be held at St. Mary's at 7:00pm on Friday, December 4th, 2009. Friends and family are invited to a memorial Mass at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek. A reception will follow the mass in the St. Mary's gym. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Heifer International: heifer.org/ myregistry/mattrunte or to the Contra Costa Humane Society: cchumane.org/ donate.htm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Contra Costa Times from Dec. 2 to Dec. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Runte

27 Entries

Karen Thomas

August 29, 2010

Julia, this is Karen Thomas. I goggled your name and found out about this. I'm so sorry. It's been so long since we talked. I would love to hear from you and about your children. My email is [email protected].

Ruben Camacho

January 22, 2010

Hello Runte family,

I wanted to send a note out for me and my brother Robert, we were friends with you all from the St. Lawerence days. We hope your entire family is coping with this sudden and tragic loss and that this year brings comfort to all of you.

Ruben and Robert Camacho

Jason Osborne

December 13, 2009

Just want to express what a pleasure I had working woth Matt over the last 5 years (Diamond) a very funny man, and always willing to help no matter the task, my heart goes out to your family.

Eugene

December 8, 2009

Matt was always in a good mood, smiling and laughing. In the short time he was my neighbor at work, he was always kind, personable, professional, helpful, and friendly. He will truly, truly be missed.

Valerie Ferrari-Haag

December 7, 2009

Julia,
I know you may not recognize my name but I worked with
you when Diablo Surgery Center existed. I floated over from
sierra, I read of your loss, I felt I needed to reach out,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family
I enjoyed working together and I would venture to say I would have enjoyed your family.
god bless and keep you in this time,
I wish you endurance, and loving people to surround you.

Frank, Wendelyn, Marisa and Ryan Erazo

December 7, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Matt was such a kind man. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless you all.

Theresa Getzler

December 6, 2009

My deepest sympathies for your tragic loss. I will fondly remember Matt and all the good times I shared with him and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your friend

Tina Alfinito-Hurlbut

December 4, 2009

My family and I are clients of John's, and even though we never had the pleasure of meeting Mathew, we are quite certain that he was an extraordinary man, like his father. We just wanted to let you know that you are in our prayers, and may God Bless You.

James and Heidi McGrath

December 4, 2009

Our deepest sympathies to the entire extended Runte family.

Kathy Charles

December 4, 2009

My heart goes out to the entire Runte family. I am so deeply saddened at the loss of my cousin Matthew,of whom I have fond memories of time well spent at our wonderful grandparent's home. I will forever remember Matthew fondly.

Maryanne Serrille Powell

December 4, 2009

I only knew Matt in middle school at St. Lawrence. I am sad that I didn't know him as a man. I remember him as a great kid whom everyone liked. He joins our other St. Lawrence friends who have gone before us way too soon. My heart goes out to his family for their tremendous loss.

Ray & Heather

December 3, 2009

Matt was a warm-hearted family man who we were proud to spend many wonderful times with. His sense of humor was infectious. Our thoughts and hearts are with Julia and the kids.

Rene Sanchez

December 3, 2009

I had the honor of working with Matt for a very short time, but that is all it took to see what a great person he was. He spoke about his family often and joked around with me just as often or even more. We will definitely miss him. From my family to yours, please except our deepest condolences.

David and Susan Willoughby

December 3, 2009

Our deepest sympathies are extended to all of the Runte family. Julia we are praying for you daily that the Lord would give you strength and peace now and throughout the upcoming days ahead and fill you and your family with joy once again. Much love to you!

Ken Petrocelli

December 3, 2009

I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Matt during our time together in the Navy. He was a great friend and a man of character. My deepest condolences to the Runte family.

Tom Lease

December 3, 2009

I worked with Matt at NBA Engineering and he was a stand up guy and great to work with. I know he was very client oriented (rare trait with engineers for some reason) and fun to work with but I think what stood out for me the most with Matt was how much he cared about his family, very proud devoted father. So my heart and prayers go out to the survivors.

Linda Wall

December 2, 2009

Julia,
I am so very sorry to hear about Matt, and I wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts during this very difficult time.
Linda Wall
(aka DVSC)

Joy Haessler

December 2, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

December 2, 2009

Thanks Matt for being such a great neighbor to us. We sure lucked out when you moved in ten years ago. I'll never forget the day when you ran over here to help with a busted pipe when our kids were with a babysitter. When I arrived, you were soaking wet doing all you could do to stop the water. Thanks also for coming over during every single power outage to see if we were o.k. and to bring flashlights and candles. You were one of a kind and one of the most thoughtful and generous men around.

Your strength, love and wonderful spirit will live on in the family you treasured and the people whose lives you touched.

We'll miss you neighbor!
Ruth, Brian, Veronica, Elizabeth, Mary and Teresa

Kirit Bavishi

December 2, 2009

May God be with you and give strength to your family for such a valuable loss. This vacuum will never be filled up, but Matt's valued memories will help for narrowing the gap.
Matt was a great help in finishing the City of San Franciscp projects.
We will always miss him and our sympathy is with Matt's family. May God bless you.

Patty Runte

December 2, 2009

May the wonderful times shared with Matt keep him alive in the heart's of family and friends forever.

December 2, 2009

Matt was a great man to know and be friends with, we are all incredibly sad that he has gone and we will miss him enormously.-The Burrows family

Robert Alexander

December 2, 2009

Thanks for being such a good friend to my son Stan. Matt, you are remembered as a "favorite brother". God be with you in heaven. You deserve it.

December 2, 2009

May the wonderful times you all shared with Matt keep him alive in your hearts forever. My memories of Matt are heart-warming, and they are for all of you wonderful Runtes'. Love all of you,Patty Runte Coffin

Aric and Stacee Barcellos

December 2, 2009

Our prayers and thoughts are with Matt's family and friends during this difficult time.

Ron Max

December 2, 2009

Matt will be missed by all. Life is what we make of it and Matt lived it to the fullest. My prayers are with him and his family through this trying time.

Shirl Markus

December 2, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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