Ronald E. Runge 1931 - 2009

RUNGE, SCHERNER, EMKEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/27/2013 at 13:57:47

Sioux City Journal
19 November 2009

SIOUX CITY -- Ronald E. Runge, 78, of Sioux City died Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, at a Sioux City hospital.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Rev. R. Paul Johnston officiating. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Ronald was born June 10, 1931, in Sioux City, the son of Emery Ernest and Edna Virginia (Scherner) Runge. He graduated from Central High School in 1949 and attended the University of South Dakota Business School, graduating with honors. He entered the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Judge Advocate Office. He was promoted to captain. Following his discharge, he entered the University of South Dakota Law School. He graduated in 1960 and began his law career as an assistant district attorney for Woodbury County.

He married Solveig Gerty Emken on April 28, 1962, in Sioux City. He later practiced law with his father, Emery D. Runge. He practiced law in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. He served as the attorney for and was active in the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association.

Ron had written and published 12 books. He spent hundreds of hours researching, so the information in his books was correct. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was a leader in the Republican Party. He had been a member of the Woodbury Masonic Lodge, now Landmark Masonic Lodge 103 A.F. & A.M., Abu Bekr Shrine Temple and the Vintage Wheel Unit.

He played the trumpet and had a band while he was in high school and college. He was a Minnesota Twins fan. He was a steward of the land and enjoyed the outdoors and spending time at the family farm. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and going to their activities.

Survivors include his wife, Solveig of Sioux City; three daughters, Erika Solveig Runge-Zins and her husband, Chris Zins of St. Michael, Minn., Ursula Ute (Runge) Dill and her husband, Kevin Dill of Sioux City and Ronja Emken (Runge) Butler and her husband, Bill Butler of Grimes, Iowa; two sisters, Karen Molstad and her husband, Bob of Sioux City and Barbara Wurtz and her husband, Larry of Henning, Minn.; a brother, Dr. Richard Runge and his wife, Sally of Omaha; six grandchildren, Bianca Zins, Trevor Zins, Landen Dill, Jacob Dill, Carson Butler and Kaden Butler; many nieces and nephews; and Kevin, our hero.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials in his name may be directed to the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association, P.O. Box 1355, Sioux City, IA. 51102.