Dale Emil Runke

Dale Emil Runke, age 72 of Golden Valley, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 26, 2021 after a year and half battle with brain cancer. Dale was at home, surrounded by family that dearly loved him. There was a gentle rain, with deer feeding in the backyard, on the night of the Pink Super Moon. A perfect passing befitting this wonderful man.



Dale was born on May 5, 1948 in Hutchinson, MN, the third child of six born to Milan and Lucille Runke. Dale is survived by his wife Pat Jordan, Carrie (Kevin) Runke-Jones (children Lucas and Veronica), Kelly (Dezia) Runke (children Eskadelia, Airabella, and Osman), Maria Jordan (children River and Soleil), Nicole (Darrell) Hiedeman (children Jordan and Lauren), Chris (Andi) Jordan, and former spouse Lynn (Baker) Runke Lynde. He is also survived by Janet (Jim) Thompson, Carl (Ardell) Runke, Gene (Laurie) Runke, Gail Runke, Kay Runke and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Milan Runke, his brother Terry Runke, and his mother Lucille Runke.



After graduating from Hutchinson High School, Dale moved to the "cities" to attend the University of Minnesota. Soon he became a young family man after his marriage to Lynn Baker, and with the birth of their two children, Carrie and Kelly. It was during this time he worked at and then eventually owned Coast to Coast Hardware, which later became Ace Hardware, for forty years. He retired in late 2017. He helped build the economic vitality and growth seen in the City of Robbinsdale, championing the small business owner and serving on the Chamber of Commerce for years.



Over twenty years ago, Dale met his wife, Pat Jordan, as she was a customer of his. Pat found any opportunity to stop by the store as often as possible so she could see Dale, and she eventually mustered up enough courage to ask him out. Their marriage blended two families, and gave way to many cabin trips, celebrations and adventures.



Spending time in nature brought great joy to Dale. He was an avid outdoors person, enjoying hunting, fishing, and boating. He had tremendous knowledge of animals, thanks to his love of nature and conservation. He had a passion for understanding the world around him and "how things worked". He knew his birds, he knew what fish ate, and where they might be during any season.



Dale and Pat enjoyed traveling around the world with many of their friends or visiting family. They also maintained many vegetable and flower gardens, enjoyed long walks and visiting with friends.



Dale survived several health challenges, though each time he rebuilt his strength and maintained a positive spirit. Nothing would keep him still until his last challenge of brain cancer. His family and friends will remember him for his generosity, kindness, wry sense of humor and the spark in his blue eyes. Dale was a pillar of quiet strength for his family, and a role model to all that he met on how to live a full life.



Pat wants to express her sincere gratitude to so many for the help they received the past sixteen months. This extends to numerous family, friends and neighbors, as well as his hospice team, known as the "DaleRunkeFanClub". Dale appreciated each and every card, meal, and conversation he had during this time.



Private Funeral Service Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Noon at Lakewood Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave South. Interment Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis. Face masks and social distancing requested by the family.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to PRISM.The website is PRISMmpls.org.