Carl Richard Runkwitz

Carl Richard Runkwitz, 84, of Lebanon, IL, born on March 25, 1941, in St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at his home.

Carl graduated from O'Fallon Township High School in 1959, where he met his sweetheart Jeanne. They married on May 25, 1963. In December of that year, Carl enlisted in the Army Reserve's 307th Civil Affairs Group, where he served 6 years. In October of 1966, he was presented an award by the St. Louis Post Dispatch for Outstanding Military Achievement. Carl was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 268. September would have marked 60 years of service with the Union, during which he also served on the executive board. He was a member of O'Fallon Kiwanis Club for 18 years, filling the office of Vice President for a part of that time. He also served on the St Clair County zoning board.

Carl lived most of his life on the family farm. He took great pride in the family history, and lovingly cared for the property that was acquired in 1839 by the first Carl Runkwitz. He could be seen every spring and summer meticulously mowing the grass, which was a favorite past time of his. He also enjoyed restoring antique tractors and hotrods. Carl possessed many talents and skills, which he shared generously with family and friends. He was often called upon to fix something that was broken and would drop whatever he was doing to help someone in need. Carl was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Doris Runkwitz (nee Klingelhoefer); in-laws Ardell "Zeke" Smith and Olive Smith (nee Votrain); brother-in-law, Ronald Davinroy; and a niece and nephew.

Left to cherish Carl's memory are his beloved wife, Jeanne Runkwitz (nee Smith) of Lebanon, IL; their son, Todd (Marti) Runkwitz of Lebanon, IL; one sister, Kathy Davinroy of O'Fallon, IL; one grandson, Ethan Runkwitz; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials in Carl's honor may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation; https://www.cerebralpalsyfoundation.org/, or St. Louis Children's Hospital; https://www.stlouischildrens.org/. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church O'Fallon; 1111 E. Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church O'Fallon; 1111 E. Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, with Pastor Doug

Munton officiating.

Burial will be held at Engelman Family Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.