David J. Runde, age 86, of Wisconsin Dells, WI passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church with Father John Blewett celebrating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Wisconsin Dells, WI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5 from 4:00-7:00 pm, and on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am.
David J. Runde was born on November 7, 1938 in East Dubuque, IL, the son of Philip and Rosalia (Kuhl) Runde. He attended grade school at St. Mary's in East Dubuque and graduated from St. Columbkille's High School in Dubuque, IA, in 1956. Following his graduation, David enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1956-1960. While serving as strategic air command, David was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, where he met the love of his life, Joyce White. David and Joyce were married on October 10, 1959 in East Dubuque.
After his honorable discharge in 1960, David began to sell insurance for the Knights of Columbus. In 1971, David and his family moved to Wisconsin Dells. He had a long and successful career with The Insurance Center and had his own branch office for many years. He retired in 2016.
David had a strong sense of service. He was a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, and served as their Grand Knight, District Deputy and Faithful Navigator. He spent decades serving as a member of Kiwanis Club of Wisconsin Dells and was an adviser of the Key Club. He also served on the board for Camp Gray. David had a deep love for his family, and he was sure to make any gathering more lively with his stories, jokes, and laugh. He was a hands-on, engaged and supportive father and grandfather, and attended numerous sporting games and events throughout the years. David was a devout Catholic and long-time member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, where he enjoyed attending daily Mass, and served for many years as Eucharist minister, lector, and brought communion to the homebound. David and Joyce loved to travel around the world, especially to Florida and back to Newfoundland, where David was proud of being an honorary "Newfie." He enjoyed watching sports, especially Notre Dame Football, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Cubs.
David is survived by his sons, Daniel (Melissa), Stephen (Davonna), Kevin (Jeanie), Terrance (Michele) Runde; daughter, Tracy Longhenry; grandchildren, Jack (Megan) Martin, Hunter Martin, Elizabeth (Jamison) Riedman, James (Mariah) Longhenry, Nicholas Runde, Amanda (Resat) Yonver, Jaime (Cameron) Lewis, Megan Runde, Nathan Runde, Erin (William) Bingley and Justin Runde; brother LaVerne Runde; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by Joyce, his beloved wife of 61 years; his parents, Philip and Rosalia Runde; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Bernard, Eileen, and Mary Lee Runde, Gerald "Jerry" and Mary A. Runde, Dola Runde, and Philip and Mary Ann Runde.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made out in David's name to St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Wisconsin Dells, WI.