Dorothy Bernice Runge

Dorothy Bernice Runge, 93, of Robinson, IL, passed away on July 24, 2022, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson. She was born on June 17, 1929, in Altamont, IL, the daughter of Hugo & Elsie (Holste) Wendling, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Wendell Runge on March 19, 1952, and he preceded her in death on April 28, 2006. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jenna Hamm and her stepmother, Nellie Wendling.

She is survived by her daughter, Pat Bernhardt (Robinson, IL); her sons, Keith Runge (Rochester, IL) and Kenton Runge (Robinson, IL); by her grandchildren & their spouses, Amanda & Jason Keesling, Dylan & Jessica Runge, and Quenton & Kat Runge; by her grandson-in-law & his wife, Brandon & Micah Hamm; by her great-grandchildren, Brody Keesling, Madilyn Keesling, Mila Hamm, and Lincoln Hamm; by her sisters, Lucille Schroder (Robinson, IL) and Carol Morris (Glendale, AZ); as well as several nieces and nephews.

Following her graduation from Altamont High School, Dorothy found clerical work in Saint Louis, MO, and Dallas, TX, before marrying Wendell and moving back to Illinois. Here, she spent the remaining 25 years of her career as the head clerk of the Hillsboro IGA. Free time often found Dorothy traveling with her family. When their children were younger, the Runges would tent camp all over the United States, making many unforgettable memories in the process. They were also international travelers, taking in the sights of destinations like Russia, Europe, Australia, and Canada. In fact, they took annual trips to visit family in Saskatchewan. Back home, Dorothy and Wendell spent nearly every Saturday evening in Highland, IL, where they would meet with friends for a night of dancing. They loved this pastime so much that they even took ballroom dancing lessons for a while!

Time at home often found Dorothy with a cup of good coffee in her hand. She was also renowned for her love of sweets, especially chocolate. Even after getting her fill from the weekly family dinners she would put on at her house, she would still inevitably reach for something sweet to nibble on! Great was her fondness for Cardinals baseball as well, with Dorothy following her beloved Redbirds for many, many years. Though she loved her Cards, it was evident that her family had her heart, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were each the apple of their grandma's eye.

Times of quiet were often for reading. Though she enjoyed romance novels, she found life and fulfillment in God's Word. A lifelong and devout Lutheran, she was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Peter, IL, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Robinson. Her treasured family finds comfort and hope in knowing that Dorothy is with Jesus and is thankful for the love and faithfulness that defined her 93 years.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, with Pastor Shane Bopp officiating. Burial will be in the Saint Peter Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. In memory of her granddaughter, memorial contributions may be made to the “Just for Jenna Scholarship Fund”. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.