Wilbert Fredrick Runke, 89

In loving memory of Wilbert Fredrick Runke, age 89 of Rainy River, Ontario who passed away at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River, Ontario.
Wilbert was born on September 21, 1915 in Woodmountain, Saskatchewan to Edward and Bertha Runke. He lived in Vita, Manitoba for 15 years as a young man with his family working on the farm in the summers and cutting wood during the winters. In 1942 he moved to the Rainy River District settling in Atwood Township. Here he ws Road Superintendent and continued farming in the summers and cutting wood in the winter for the Matthew Estate. In the early 1970’s he met Mary Bay and together they settled along the river in 1978.
He was predeceased b;y his parents Edward and Bertha, stepmother Mary; brothers Albert, Donnie and Ernie Runke; sisters Eleanor Edinger and Ruby Katona.
Wilbert will be greatly missed by his longtime companion Mary Bay and her family as well as his sister-in-law Donna Runke of Thunder Bay and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Monday December 6, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Knox United Church in Rainy River, Ontario with United Church Minister Pat White officiating.
Cremation has taken place in Thunder Bay, Ontario and interment will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, 209 McIrvine Road, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3N3.
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