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Terry Runyon Obituary
Green valley - Terry Patrick Runyon, age 31, of Green Valley passed away at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.
He was born on July 5, 1977, in Pekin to Terry E. and Janice Susy Jensen Runyon. Terry married Kristin Miller on June 18, 2005, in Mahomet, Ill. She survives.
Terry graduated from Midwest Central High School in 1995. While attending high school he was enrolled in the cadet program with the Green Valley Fire Department. Terry graduated with honors from the Surgical Technician program at Illinois Central College. He was employed as a certified surgical technician at Pekin Hospital. He had attended nursing school at Methodist Medical Center until interrupted by illness.
He was a member of the Surgical Technician Society of Illinois and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manito, Ill.
Terry is survived by his parents, Terry E. and Janice Susy Runyon of Green Valley; his grandmother, Leona Jennings of Pekin; his sisters, Jennifer Runyon and Pamela (Scott) Terrill, both of Green Valley; his nephews and nieces, Christopher, Kylie and Emily Terrill and Marcus and Mylie Runyon; his father and mother-in-law, Dennis and Carol Miller of Urbana, Ill.; and several aunts and uncles.
Terry was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Victor and Patricia Jensen; and paternal great-grandparents, Alice and Ernest Berchtold.
Terry faced his lifelong battle against Cystic Fibrosis with courage, hope and incredible strength, never allowing his life to be defined by the disease. He charged into each new day with joy, love and an enthusiasm which inspired all who knew him. His smile and excitement for life were contagious.
Terry was a Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. He enjoyed building and collecting Legos, watching movies and anything related to Super Heroes or "Star Wars." The annual vacations to Disney World with his family were always much anticipated, especially when he proposed to Kristin in the Cinderella Castle in 2003 and they honeymooned there in 2005.
Funeral services for Terry will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at the Green Valley Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Charles Houston officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at Woolsey Funeral Home, 301 Broadway, Pekin, Ill., and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Green Valley Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to a special fund for the Children's Activity Department at The Children's Hospital of Illinois c/o the Havana National Bank-Green Valley Branch, 101 W. Main St., Green Valley, IL 61534.
Online tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.mem.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Terry Runyon
Sponsored by Kristin Runyon.
T R
July 10, 2012
Still think of you.
Jim (Jr.) Sikes
October 10, 2008
Terry, Susy, Jenny, and Pam,
I was very sorry to hear about Terry's passing. I remember him always with a smile on his face no matter what. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. My thoughts are with you all.
Shane Martin
October 7, 2008
Terry, Susy, Jenny and Pam.
Justin has kept me updated on the Runyon family throughout the years-I was always happy to hear that Terry was doing well. I know that many changes happen throughout our lives and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Take comfort in the fact that Terrys smile and spirit will always be with you. He was loved by many and a part of all of our lives,
I cant imagine growing up without all of you on the block.
Take care.
Mary Canada
October 4, 2008
Terry, Susie, Jenny, Pam & family:
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad moment in your life. Terry was such a special man--he was so full of life and fought till the end. He will be sorely missed by everyone.
Donna Corso
September 26, 2008
I am so sorry for the loss of Terry. He was an amazing young man. I worked with him at Krogers at the Pekin store. We were two of the opening people at 6 a.m. a lot of mornings. Terry never spoke of his illness. We had many talks and am so saddened by his passing. May God be with all of his family
Cara Schmidt
September 23, 2008
I just wanted to share a memory that I have of Terry. Several years ago he put together a pirate themed halloween display at Scott and Pam's old house. I was out trick-or-treating with the girls and my youngest, Madi, fell in love with "the Pirate." She wanted to dance on the porch with Terry, and he was happy to oblige. They both had a fun time and I could barely get her to leave. She talked about dancing with "the Pirate" long after the Halloween candy was gone. He was a great person and will be missed.
Melinda Iund
September 23, 2008
Though I don't know the family, I wish to express my deepest sympathy and condolences. I had an uncle that died of CF and I have a 2 1/2 year old with CF. From what I read in the obituary, I want my daughter to be like Terry as she grows up. I can tell Terry was a person that loved life and was happy. God bless all of you! Thank you for the inspiration.
Jacque (Eeten) Smith
September 23, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
angel lamb
September 23, 2008
to the family,i send my heartfelt condolances.terry was such a sweet kid.god had a plan for him to bring joy and love to all around him.he was an inspiration to us all.he made the big picture quite brighter to look at,not to sweat the small stuff.my heart breaks for you guys.as time goes it will make it a little easier to go on.
Jolene Whisler
September 22, 2008
When I think of Terry, I cannot picture him without his sisters. I laughed so hard everytime I was around the thee kids, my stomach hurt, I had so much fun! I want Jenny and Pam to know that everyone could see the love and respect that Terry had for you both! As for Terry and Susy, you should be so proud because you raised an extraordinary son! Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Marsha Brook
September 22, 2008
To the family of Terry Runyon,
I wish to extend our deepest sympathy on behalf of myself and the IL State Assembly of Surgical Technology. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Terry, while he was employed at OSF. He truly was a remarkable person. He was extremely proud to be a Surgical Tech and a very caring individual whether it was towards his coworkers or his patients. Please take comfort knowing that he is indeed in a better place and our thought and prayers are with you. I will be unable to make his visitation but my heart goes out to all of you! God bless you in this time of need.
Marsha M. Brook CST
ISA Board of Directors
Billy Robinson
September 22, 2008
I want to say we are very sorry for your loss and you are all in our thoughts at this time. I always enjoyed Terry as a person and as a friend to play sports with.
Ronda Savage
September 22, 2008
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Terry was a very special person.
Melissa (Silvernail) Johnson
September 22, 2008
I was so sorry to hear about Terry's passing. I can still remember spending nights at your house, and Terry always being in the middle of everything. He always had a bright outlook and smile.... I can remember how annoyed he would be if he had to stop for the treatments before bedtime. All of you are in our prayers now and the days to come. May God's presence bring you comfort and peace.
Sarafina Benton
September 21, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. I had not seen Terry in a few years but his contagious smile is unforgettable. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanni Hasten
September 21, 2008
I have known Terry since I was a young kid at Childrens Hospital Of IL. He was such a nice person. I am greatful that I got the chance to know him. He will be missed.
Christi (Penn) Ringel
September 21, 2008
I'm so sorry for your loss, and know that you'll be in my prayers for comfort and peace. I've been so proud of Terry as I've watched him overcome his health struggles and prove the doctors wrong so many times. He's always been Jenny's cute little brother to me, and I have lots of special memories of him. I pray you know God's comfort through the days to come.
Jennifer Palacios
September 21, 2008
I worked with Terry at OSF. He was one of the nicest people I ever met. He was alway so full of life. I can't believe he is gone. I will always cherish the memories of the time we shared together.
Terry,Sarah, and Jace Pescaglia (Bland)
September 21, 2008
Our deepest sympathy goes to you and your family in this time of grief. Terry made a very lasting impression with our son,Jace a couple years ago on Halloween with his extraordinary garage. He put alot of hard work and effort into making children happy. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him. Love and Prayers/ GO CUBS!!!
Julie Watkins
September 21, 2008
Terry, Susy, Kirstin, Jenny & Family, and Pam & Family - It is so hard to put into words all I want to say. I have watched the struggles that were faced daily as Terry grew up and could only marvel at the strength all of you would show. Each time a struggle was conquered, your family became stronger. Terry never seemed to let anything stop him from achieving what he wanted to do. It may not have been exactly how he wanted to do it, but some how, some way he would achieve his goals in the way that was best for him. And always along the way his family was right there - physically and/or spiritually. Anyone who has come into contact with your family could feel your family's strength and it left such positive feelings that people couldn't help but take a little of that strength with them. I hope that the strength of love being sent your way from so many helps you now and in the time to come. With much love and peace, Julie
Michelle Farris
September 21, 2008
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Terry. I was his preceptor at Pekin Hospital. What an opportunity to train someone with his work ethic. He always put the patient first; he truly was a great asset to our surgical department. I could go on and on about the many wonderful things about Terry. He had a strong desire to learn, and always did everything with a smile. I am a better person for knowing him and I am so thankful that our paths crossed even though the time was too short. "T to the R" I will greatly miss you and your smiling face. My condolences to his wife, parents, and entire family. May GOD bless you all.
Angie (Hackney) Even
September 21, 2008
I just found out about Terry's passing and wish to convey my deepest condolences to Kristin and the entire family. I had not seen Terry for such a long time but I have very fond memories of him as a young man. I know Terry is in a much better place now and all of his pain is now gone.
Danny Helfers
September 21, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family. My best memories of Terry was at the pizza place making his pizza bread,almost on a daily routine.Terry will be deeply missed by all that knew him..
Jeri Ann Canada
September 21, 2008
Terry, Susy, Jenny, and Pam and Families,
I wanted to let you all know that you all are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Mary Benson
September 21, 2008
I worked with Terry at OSF. He was one of the sweetest, kindest,most considerate young men that I have ever known. He always made sure that I got to my car safely after work. I feel real fortunate to have worked with Terry for my 5 1/2 months at OSF. I know he love all of his family very much. God be with you all.
Rachel Shipley
September 21, 2008
Terry was the bravest person I knew. He never compained and never wasted a single minute of his life. I am blessed to have known and learned from him. He will truly be missed.
Ed and Cindy Justus
September 21, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Runyon Family.
Jody McLean
September 21, 2008
Susy & Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Bob & Donna Woll
September 21, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Terry. He was a great person to know. He will be missed greatly. May God Bless all of you.
Cathie Wolfe
September 21, 2008
I am so very sorry for your loss may God Bless you and hold you all up as only HE can in your time of grief.
Kristin Nation
September 21, 2008
I did not know Terry but as a pulmonary nurse in Urbana I work with many patients who fight CF. I will be thinking about your family in this time of loss.
Tracy Bennett
September 21, 2008
I worked with Terry at St. Francis Medical Center. Terry was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his family.
Norm & Peg LaFary
September 21, 2008
God Bless You All in this time of sorrow. May you find peace and remember the good times you had with Terry. All of your friends are here for you. We love you!
Brandi Volk
September 21, 2008
I worked with Terry at OSF St. Francis. He was always a diligient worker and upbeat. He always had a smile on his face, he was a fun guy to work with. I am so sorry for your loss. The family is in my prayers at this time.
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