Runkle, Fred C. (1876-1944)

RUNKLE, FISHER

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 4/28/2017 at 16:34:04

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, Tuesday, April 11, 1944

FRED C. RUNKLE, STANHOPE, DEAD

Dies Suddenly at Home of Heart Attack at Age of 68

Fred C. Runkle, 68, editor and publisher of the Stanhope Observer, died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock from a heart attack.

Funeral rites will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Stanhope Christian church, conducted by the Revs. Schmidt and Monson, with burial in Lawn Hill cemetery.

While Mr. Runkle had been in poor health at periods for the past several years, his last illness dates from August. He had been confined to his home at intervals since then and for the past four weeks had been too weak to attend to his work. He was at home Monday afternoon when he was taken with sinking spells. Despite the fact he had been in poor health, his death was not expected and came as a severe shock to his wife, relatives and the Stanhope community.

Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Mrs. Ralph (Maurine) E. Fisher from near Portland, Ore., five grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.

The Runkles came to Stanhope some 40-odd years ago when Mr. Runkle was elected superintendent of schools. From 1905 to 1908, in addition to his school duties, he also edited the old Stanhope Mail. Later he taught school in Ellsworth and Danburg and for many years he was also superintendent of school at the Industrial School for boys at Eldora. Some years ago he retired from active school work and returned to Stanhope, where he revived the Stanhope Observer. He made a good paper of that publication - one that was thoroughly representative of the lively little town of Stanhope and one of which his community was justly proud. Mrs. [Mabel] Runkle had done most of the work on it for some months, but is undecided as to whether she will keep it up. The Stanhope community will sincerely miss Fred Runkle and his "homey" style of writing the news events of the town and vicinity. He was also active in the Old Settlers organization of the county and had been its secretary and moving spirit for many years.