"Our Deepest Sympathy to Dale's Family. If we can be of any assistance please contact us. Doug & Kay Baumann"
In loving memory of
Dale Runningen
June 16, 1928 - October 19, 2009
HOUSTON, MINN. - Dale Runningen, a retired Houston-area farmer, died at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, October 19, after a short bout with cancer. He was 81.
Dale and his wife Violet raised five children, and over several decades built their farm into a more than 600-acre corn, soybean, dairy, beef and hog enterprise. The operation, now operated by son Wayne, is known as Fort Ridgely Farms and on Dec. 2, 2009, will have been in the family for 100 years.
His respect for the land and his soil conservation practices earned him the Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year award in 1960, an honor that son Wayne earned in 2003.
Dale served as a Sheldon Township officer for 40 years. He was on the church council of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, held positions as a member of the Houston Sportsmen's Club and as a 4-H leader. He was active in the local snowmobile club, motorcycle club, John Deere two cylinder tractor club, and enjoyed square dancing.
He was also a salesman for DeKalb seed corn for 30 years.
Dale was born June 16, 1928, in Caledonia, Minn. to Martin and Alma (Jorde) Runningen. He married Violet Christopherson on Aug. 25, 1949; they were married 60 years.
He is survived by his wife, Violet; five children: Roger (Marsha) of Springfield, Virginia, Arlan (Sandy) of Goodview, Minn., Wayne (Patti) of rural Houston, Marlene (Eric Forslund) of San Diego, Cal., and Sharon (Bill) Mahoney of Union Grove, Wis.; eight grandchildren: Mark Runningen of Sydney, Australia, Jeff Runningen of Vienna, Virginia, Brent and Lee Runningen of Winona, Minn., Kyle and Laura Runningen of Houston, Minn., and Monica and Brittany Mahoney of Union Grove, Wis.; two great-grandchildren: Natalie and Jaxon Runningen of Winona, Minn.; three step-grandchildren: Josh Swenson of Houston, Minn., Aaron Swenson of Oregon, Wis., and Emily Lorenzen of Sandstone, Minn.; and two brothers: Wallace of Springfield, Missouri, and Donald of Caledonia, Minn.
Dale's parents, Alma and Martin Runningen, a sister Cleone, a brother Maynard, and a granddaughter, Angela, preceded him in death.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Rev. Lane Zaffke officiating. Burial will be in the Stone Church Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Hoff Funeral Homes - Houston Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
The family prefers memorials to be directed to the American Cancer Society.
Leave a memory of Dale, sign his online guestbook, and view his tribute video when it becomes available online at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/96034
Tributes
"I was sorry to hear the news about your Dad. What a nice tribute to him. I also lost my Dad this year in May. I know you have many fun and fond memories of your Dad. You are so fortunate to have had that with him. He is a part of who you are and you'll always have that. Love, Mary"
"The loss of a parent is so very hard. I know what you are going through and my heart/prayers are with you. It took me some time to accept my mom's passing, but now my thoughts are with all the great memories I had with my mom. Take comfort in knowing it is true when it is said, "time heals" and we begin to understand the infamous "why?" in that it truly is in God's hands when the decision is made to bring a person to be with God in heaven. I think of Mom everyday ... as you will with your Dad. But they are great thoughts and will bring a smile on your face, and for whatever reason... it is like a relaxing feeling, calming, as if they are with you knowing that you are thinking of them and they are thinking of you! My Mom is my Angel as your Dad is for you! Give Sandy a hug for me - and know that you all are in my heart. Kathy"
"Deepest Sympathy to the entire Runnigen Family. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers."
"You all are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of your loss. I am sure he was a very special man and Laura loved him immensely."
"It was a pleasure to have met him, my thoughts and prayers are with you"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. What an outstanding tribute to your father! We know he'll be dearly missed, but the wonderful memories will always be there for you all to cherish. Rich and Susan"
"Roger and Marsha and the Runnigan family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss of your dear Dad. You were blessed to have such a wonderful Dad in your life. The love and memories will remain in your hearts forever. Blessings to you and your family, Carolyn and Jess"
"IM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF DALE. AS A TEENAGER I ALWAYS LOVED COMING OUT TO THE FARM, WORKING,HUNTING,WITH WAYNE, AND THE WHOLE FAMILY. THOSE ARE VERY SPECIAL MEMORIES THAT I HAVE ALWAYS CHERISHED. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE ENTIRE RUNNIGAN FAMILY."
"Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Deepest sympathy to you and the entire Runningen family. Cherish the memories. May God give you strength during this difficult time."
"Thank you Dad for being the best father that anyone could ask for. I will miss you so much but you will always be in my heart. I love Dad!"
"Dale was a wonderful person and a very special friend. He loved to play euchre and "500" (and certainly liked to win!) and also had a great passion for the game of pool. We've only known Dale for 2 years but we will never forget him...his spirit will always be with us. "Dale, keep an eye on us from up there...we know you'll be watching over all of us!" Bob & Connie"
"My prayers and thoughts are with you! What a wonderful legacy he has left behind! Take care, God is with you, feel his strength and love for you all."