1922 – Percy Gerald “Gerry” Runia – 2018
Percy Gerald “Gerry” Runia was born November 20, 1922, in Sheldon, Iowa, to Ralph Frank and Kate (Zeylemaker) Runia. After the family moved to Minnesota, he attended school in Chandler, Minnesota through the eighth grade before helping his parents on the farm outside Lake Wilson, Minnesota. As an adult, Gerry was baptized at Skandia E. Free Church in Balaton. Gerald was united in marriage to Jean Magnuson on February 14, 1948, at the Skandia E. Free Church. They celebrated their anniversary together on Valentine’s Day for the last 70 years. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and was currently a proud member of the American Legion. Gerry was a proud Dutchman and solid in his faith. He was a member of the Skandia E. Free Church in Balaton, Minnesota. He loved his work, farming his whole life. Even in retirement he took to gardening and continued to work the soil and provide for his family and friends. He enjoyed going to garden markets all over the area. Gerald Runia died at the Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler, Minnesota, on July 3, 2018, at the age of 95 years. Blessed be his memory.
Gerry is survived by his wife Jean Runia, Tyler; six children: Keith Runia, Isle, MN, Dale Runia, Rockford, IL, Lois (Rolly) Bedow, Tyler, MN, Nancy (Tim) Ward, Fillmore, MN, Greg Runia (Michelle Busch), Montevideo, MN, Norman (LauraLee) Runia, St. Cloud, MN;18 grandchildren: Ross, Robin, Dan, Joel, Malorie, Bethany, Brett, Jennessa, Alissa, Joshua, Zachary, Jason, Jonathan, Jenny, Jessica, Justin, Trystan, Tyrell; many great-grandchildren; siblings Dorothy (Don) Mitchell, Helen (Harvey) Horn, Don (Dorothy) Runia, Eldon “Butch” Runia, Mitchell (Carolyn) Runia, Phyllis (Jim) Nielsen, Wally (Evelyn) Runia; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Roger Runia; daughter, Sandra Lund; daughters-in-law: Pam and Lila; and siblings: Bob Runia, Vernon Runia, Gilbert Runia, and Evelyn Mitchell.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2018, at the Skandia Evangelical Free Church near Balaton, Minnesota. Interment with military honors followed in the church cemetery. Arrangements by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. Guest book and tribute wall available online at www.hamiltonfh.com.
