Ralph Runge Obituary

Tim & Chuck,

Your Father was truly a man of character, I am pleased to have known him. Our family wishes to extend deepest sympathy to you and your families. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Two days ago at Ralph’s funeral I shared tears and memories. I heard many people talk about his love of his shop and how he worked in it. I was one of the fortunate people to share some of those moments and because I helped build it I understood what everyone was talking about. But his shop was much more than a wood shop. Ralph would call at some ungodly hour of the night and ask “What are you doing ? I need some help, got a few minutes”. Those minutes were never minutes, but hours. Not because the help needed couldn’t be done in a few minutes but because they somehow got sidetracked around the conversations that took place about life, our kids, our problems, shared over cheap Scotch and an unlit cigar and coffee….prepared the way his mother-in-law taught him, cream 1st…. then the coffee. And I think of him when I pour my cream first. At times we were each others sanity. You might walk into the shop with a problem but your world always seemed a little better when you left. And because he was always there for you, you were always there for him.
He was a man of words and God knows I was on the receiving end of a few of them. My name somehow was preceded by an adjective most of time, but under that hard crust laid a heart as big as he was. But he was also a man of compliments and again I received a few of them during our 25 years together. Two of them pop into mind often. “you’re the best bodyman I ever saw……… after me” and “I’ve learned so much from you”.
I saw him cry and I shared jokes with him. I never met a lot of his friends, but I knew them. I would complain that his Christmas Houses weren’t to scale and he’d tell me they were. They were Runge’s scale. And we’d laugh. 2 weeks later I was teaching him about scale. We respected each other. At times he was my Dad, my older brother, but always my friend and God I miss him.
When I was building my shop I thought of him and my carving chisels that I recently bought will probably never be used because my teacher has left me. The 5 gallon bucket of keys that I saved for him will never be turned into lamp shades and I hope that it’s not to late to thank him for everything he taught me.

Joan and Runge family, no words can ease the pain you are going through. Ralph will remain in your hearts and is looking down on you. My prayers are with you.

Ralph Runge was one of the great characters of Rogers Park, and we will all miss him.
My condolences,
John Schermerhorn

My deep condolences to the Runge family. Ralph taught me car repairs when I was 16 , that was almost 50 years ago, and we were good friends through all that time.

Dear Tim and Chuck,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your families. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

to the Runge Family,
my family and I would like to send our deepest sympathy to you in this time of need. May God bless you all.
the Demma Family

To Kathy and the entire Runge family: No words can help right now. Please know that understanding thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the Runge family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

To the entire Runge family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need. Know that Ralph is a blessing to each of you and will remain always with you. God Bless You,

To Joan, Chuck, Tim, Karol, Kathy, Terri, Patrick and families; please accept our sincere condolences. It has been our privilege to have known Ralph for nearly 18 years, and we are proud our son, Scott,(Kathy)had him as a father-in-law and also 3 of our precious grandchildren had him for a grandfather - - with our respect, love and prayers.

The the family of Ralph Runge
While we were not personal friends we have been customers of Runge's Auto for many years and always appreciated the friendly, honest, high quality service. The Runge family is an asset to Rogers Park

Ralph was a business associate who turned into a friend. He will be missed by many. To Joan and the children our prayers are with you.
Bill & Samantha Homer & Family
Lake Zurich, Il.

To all the Runge family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that all the Tillman's are thinking of you and keepin you in our thoughts and prayers.

Mel Tillman and family

Chuck and Tim - sorry for your loss - our condolences - the Mudd family.

Kathy and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

To Pat, Becky, Emily, baby to be and Runge Family; a dear and beautiful person will be very missed, keep his memory in your hearts as he will embrace you in his arms. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Ralph thanks for everything,the help u gave me the knowladge and the opp. at runges auto the start of my life so i can feed my family like u did. again thanks 4 everything you will always be my second dad.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

To the family of Ralph, our deepest condolences. He was a great man. May he rest in peace.

To Chuck,Tim and all the Runge family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ther isn't enough room here to properly pay our respects to Ralph. So, we will simply wish you all peace and strength you need in the coming days.

The Quinlans

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

To Ralph my 2nd father and dear friend, my prayers. I will miss you my good friend. To Joan and the kids, my support and help when needed.