Gary R. Runde

Gary R. Runde, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on October 20, 2025, at Harmony Nursing Home, with his loving family by his side.
Friends and family may visit from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Military Honors will be accorded at 4:00 p.m. by the American Legion Post #6.
Gary was born on January 14, 1954, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of Gerald and Adeane (Murray) Runde. He honorably served his country in the United States Army as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. In recent years, he worked in maintenance for RTA and the Dubuque Greyhound Park. He also served on the board at Leisure Lake and was a proud supporter of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
He was a true sass-hole. If he liked you, you knew it, and if he didn't, you definitely knew it. He loved all kinds of racing, from NASCAR to drag racing. Though he claimed to be a Packers fan, no one ever actually saw him watch a game; most suspect he just said it to irritate the Bears fans around him. He was happiest either out on his side-by-side or kicked back in his recliner. Stubborn to the core and fiercely patriotic, he'd still give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. A jack of all trades and master of none, he proudly held a master's degree from Monmouth College in New Jersey.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sheila Rooney; his children, Gary (Teresa) Runde of Portage, Indiana, Chad Runde of Dyersville, Iowa, Eric Runde of Pheonix, Arizona, Vincent (Mary Jo) Kurinzi of Spotswood, New Jersey, and Ashley (Cameron) Redenbaugh of Farley, Iowa; his grandchildren Jacob (Summer) Runde, Austin Moser, Brylee Hodges, Dani Runde, Rachyl Runde, Jenna Deutmeyer, Abigail (Joey) Baize, Erica Runde, E.J. Runde, and David (Elizabeth) Redenbaugh; great-grandchildren Liam Bliss, Charlie Bliss, Owen Runde, and Tanner Baize; siblings Robert Runde of Leisure Lake, Iowa, Jerry (Robin) Runde of Dubuque, Iowa, and Scott (Carla) Steiert of Leisure Lake, Iowa; in-laws Terry (Alice) Rooney of Dubuque, Iowa, Mike (Patti) Rooney of Fort Myers, Florida, and Anna (Tino) Kaltsas; his former wife, Debbie Runde; special daughter Stephanie Deutmeyer; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Kari Ann Runde; step-father James Kennedy; and three brothers, Danny Hartshorn, Billy Hartshorn, and Clarence Oberfoel.
A special thanks to Marci at Mercy ICU, Ebony at Harmony Nursing Home, Kathy from Hospice of Dubuque, Diane from the Cancer Center of Dubuque, and Bobbie Jo Runde and Colton Arthofer.
"Be safe, and if you can't be safe, be clean."
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