Obituary - Posted: 5/24/06
Vernon J. Runningen
Vernon J. ìVernî Runningen, 77, of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Preston, died Sunday, May 21, 2006, at Banner Baywood Hospital in Mesa.
Vern was born December 5, 1928, in Houston, to Julius and Louise (Pieper) Runningen. He was baptized December 30, 1928, and confirmed June 20, 1943, at the Houston Lutheran Church. He attended the Crystal Valley rural grade school. He married Dorothy Schroeder June 7, 1951, at St. Johnís Lutheran Church in Caledonia. The couple farmed in the Caledonia, Spring Grove, Peterson (North Prairie) areas until February 1962 when they purchased the Olson Coal and Feed from Arthur and Bernice Olson in Preston which they operated under the name of Preston Farm Service, Inc. They also owned and operated the Preston Iron Works. In 1979 he received an honorary high school diploma from the Supersweet Feed Co. In 1987 they retired from the elevator business making their home in Preston and wintering in Arizona. During his 25 years in business he served as a director of the Northwest Country Elevator, Northwest Agri-Dealers and the National Feed and Grain Assn. In 2004 due to his failing health they became permanent residents of Mesa.
He was a member os Christ Lutheran Church in Preston where he served on the church council and various committees. He was also an associate member of Our Saviorís Lutheran Church of Mesa. He had served on the Preston Booster Club, Preston Village Council and the Preston Development Corp. He enjoyed golfing, traveling and dancing.
Survivors include his wife Dorothy; two daughters, Joyce (David) Fleck of Minneapolis, and Carol of Mesa; and three granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by one son, Bryan; three brothers, Leland, Norman, and Milo; and a brother-in-law, Roger Schroeder.
The funeral will be 11 a.m., Friday, May 26, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston with Rev. James Rushton officiating. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery in Preston. Friends may call at Thauwald Funeral Home in Preston from 5-8 p.m., Thursday and an hour before the service at the church on Friday.
The family prefers memorials be given to Christ Lutheran Church, The American Lung Association or the donors choice.
Thauwald Funeral Home in Preston is in charge of arrangements.
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