Bernie J. Runge, age 82, died Friday afternoon July 11, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. He was born December 13, 1920 in Charter Oak, Iowa the son of Walter and Frieda Rabe Runge. Bernie came to Wisconsin as a small boy and grew up in the Bonduel area. He married Louise Manthei on October 30, 1943 at White Clay Church in Cecil, WI., she preceded him in death on Feb. 8, 1983. He then married Dorothy Reek Kaminski on August 24, 1985 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Weyauwega, she preceded him in death on November 13, 1995. He then married Arloene Manke Pinnow at All Saints Ev. Lutheran Church in Oshkosh on November 30, 1996. It was at this time that Bernie moved to Omro. While residing in the area, he made many friends. Bernie retired from farming in 1983 and enjoyed woodworking, playing sheapshead, dancing polkas, fishing, and in his younger years playing the Concertina. He was a member and past president of the National Farmers Organization, and a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Oshkosh.

Bernie will be missed by his wife; Arloene Pinnow-Runge of Omro, daughter; Linda (Leland) VanGheem of Pulaski, WI, foster-son; Jahne Martin of Tacoma, Washington, 3 grandchildren; Wendy Louise, Phillip Lee and Evan Thomas VanGheem. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Runge (Roger) Heintz of Shawano, nephews; Ronald and Lloyd Heints, other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held on Monday July 14, 2003 at the Omro Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday July 15, 2003 at the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. with Rev.Darin Wiebe officiating. Burial followed in the Omro Cemetery.