Pat Runkle

Patrick Gale Runkle (80) was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin to Gaylord R. Runkle and Ardis Shelito Runkle on March 12, 1945. He arrived home to meet 3 siblings, Janet, Judy, and Allan. They all grew up on a small farm in Dallas, Wisconsin. Pat graduated from Barron County High School in 1963 and moved on to bigger pastures.

During his life he was able to do a variety of jobs – Holiday Inn trouble shooter, Corporate Credit manager, Fork-lift driver and more. However, he identified the most as a preacher. You couldn’t know him very long before he would ask you “Do you know Jesus?” One of his last words to his granddaughter was “I am going Home and I am not afraid.” He retired in January, 2025 from his position as PMA at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rushville.

During his travels after high school, he met and then married Linda Ferrell. To this union were born two children, Michael Patrick (1970) and Brian James (1975). Pat & Linda were divorced and 2 years later he met and married Karen (Johnson) Marcy. She brought into this union a son, Nathan Jay Marcy (1975)

Pat and Karen built a life in Hay Springs NE on an acreage in the country. They worked together, traveled together and grew large gardens together. They owned and operated Lil’ Ladybug Gardens and Greenhouse. He always considered all the people he met as the best part of his work whether it was in churches, at farmer’s market, in the garden or during the pumpkin patch that they hosted in the fall.

Pat loved to visit with everyone he met. His family and grandchildren were very important to him. He would “poke fun” at everyone expecting them to return the fun. This was always his way to let you know he considered you to be a friend or someone he cared about.

Pat is survived by his wife Karen (Johnson) Runkle; his children, Mike (Tricia) Runkle, Brian (Lindsey) Runkle, Nate (Jada) Marcy; Grandchildren, Clayton, Carrie, Lane, Dawn, and Emma Runkle, Theo, Jalei and Mason Marcy; Sister Judith Runkle; Mother-in-law Virginia Johnson; Brothers-in-law Marvin (Cheri) Johnson, Bob (Donna) Johnson; Sisters-in-law Rita (Wayne) Peters, Donna (Rick) Brice plus many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord & Ardis; brother Allan Runkle; sister and husband Janet and Reginald Draheim; Father-in-law Jimmy Johnson.

Services will be held on July 7, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 12 and ½ miles south of Hay Springs on Hwy 87 at 1:00 p.m.

A memorial to Parkview Lodge and to Pioneer Manor will be established in Pat’s name . Condolences may be sent to Karen Runkle, 4283 460th Rd. Hay Springs, NE 69347.