Charles Runneberg

RUNNEBERG

Posted By: Marian Runneberg (email)
Date: 4/3/2013 at 16:46:54

Charles Andrew Runneberg was born March 5,1939 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He was the son of ElRoy and Ila(Scrogum) Runneberg. Chuck was brought up on the family farm in Pocahontas County and attended Mallard Community School. At the age of 9, he managed to take control of a runaway school bus on which he had been riding, thereby saving the lives of many children. As a teen he enjoyed playing football and was president of the local Future Farmers of American Club. He attended Emmetsburg Junior College and Buena College in Storm Lake.

On November 6,1965, he married Roberta Stender of McGregor, Iowa and settled in Madrid, Iowa. To this union 2 daughters, Lisa and Lori were born. For 30 years Chuck operated large equipment for road construction companies in Iowa and Texas. He and his wife owned and operated Chuck's Hardware Store for 13 years.

Chuck found great enjoyment doing genealogy research for the benefit of family relatives and their descendants. He was an ardent collector of toy farm and road equipment.

Chuck fought his last battle of health problems over his lifetime. After a long courageous fight, he passed away on July 5, 2012 in Ames, Iowa at the age of 73. He knew no enemies and had many friends, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Survivors include his wife Roberta, daughters Lisa Herrstrom and Lori Runneberg; two grandsons, Travis and Nicholas of Madrid and a sister, Marian Runneberg of Scottsdale, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents. His internment is at Mt. Hope Cemetery near Madrid.