Kenton Runge

Kenton Runge, 64, of Robinson, IL, passed away on June 17, 2024, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing. He was born on November 20, 1959, in Hillsboro, IL, the son of Wendell Runge & Dorothy (Wendling) Runge, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his niece, Jenna Hamm, and by his grandparents. He is survived by his sister, Pat Bernhardt (Robinson, IL); by his brother & sister-in-law, Keith & Judy Runge (Rochester, IL); by his niece, Amanda & husband Jason Keesling; by his nephews & their spouses, Dylan & Jessica Runge and Quenton & Kat Runge; by his great-nieces and nephews, Brody Keesling, Madilyn Keesling, Mila Hamm, Lincoln Hamm, and Emma Runge; and by his special cousins, Sue & Jeff DeAmann and Melissa, Nate, and Ellie Fiscus.

Kenton grew up in Hillsboro, IL, where he attended school and found meaningful work through a number of special needs programs. In the early 1990s, he moved to Robinson, and here, he enjoyed working alongside his friends at Lawrence Crawford.

A man of simple pleasures, Kenton found immense joy in his hobbies. He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, a passion he inherited from his mother and shared with his nephew, Brody. One of his most cherished memories was visiting Busch Stadium. He also had a love for NASCAR, with Dale Earnhardt holding a special place as his favorite driver. Kenton's interests, though few, were pursued with enthusiasm. He took great pride in mowing & weed-eating his yard and would simply light up when someone complimented him for how good the lawn looked. An avid t-shirt collector, the first thing he'd ask upon entering a restaurant was whether they had any t-shirts for sale. Needless to say, the man owned WAY too many t-shirts!

Much of his free time at home was spent browsing YouTube, and would regularly call Pat asking how to spell whatever it was he was searching for. Often, it was oldies music, peaceful tunes that brought serenity to his soul. That's not to say he wasn't a thrill seeker! Over the years, he embarked on several Caribbean cruises, which fed his fascination with cruise ships. A particular highlight of Kenton's adventures was a family trip to Hawaii, which birthed many precious memories filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of fun! His loved ones fondly remember his infatuation with the open sea and the joy these voyages brought him. Something of a social butterfly, he was quick to share stories of these adventures with whoever had ears to hear.

Despite challenging life circumstances, Kenton's life was rich and full. His passing on what would have been his mother's 95th birthday adds a poignant touch to his journey, as his family envisions Dorothy smiling down from heaven, reassuringly saying, "It's going to be okay, I've got him from here!" As we say goodbye to Kenton Runge, we remember a man who, in his own unique and special way, touched the lives of those around him. His family can take solace in knowing that Kenton can now rest peacefully, leaving behind memories that will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who knew him. Kenton's story is a gentle reminder that happiness can be found in the simplest of moments and that love endures beyond the confines of this world.

His family would like to thank Kenton's many special friends who always looked out for him, including his church family and the Wachtel and Strauch families.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Robinson, IL. A memorial service will immediately follow and be held at 4:00 p.m., with Rev. Adrian Piazza officiating. Memorials may be made to either "Our Redeemer Lutheran Church" or to the "Lawrence Crawford Association for Exceptional Citizens", with memorial envelopes available at the church. His cremated remains will be interred next to his parents at the Saint Peter Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.