Karl H. Runge, age 81, died on Saturday, December 25, 2021 at Milestone Assisted Living in Woodruff, WI.
He was born on February 23, 1940 in Milwaukee, the son of Harry and Evelynn (Trossen) Runge. He attended school in Milwaukee, riding the street cars to school and back home. Later he went to Menomonee Falls High School where he graduated. He spent much of his free time as a kid with his grandfather, Luis Trossen, learning about fishing, hunting, and the outdoors in general. His favorite place to be were the forests and lakes of Bayfield County.
He later attended the University of Wisconsin where he studied Civil Engineering and graduated with a BSCE. After working for the Wisconsin DOT for a few years in Milwaukee, he moved from Cedarburg to Rhinelander Wisconsin. He enjoyed snowmobiling, sailing, boating, canoeing, hunting, and skiing. In his later career he started the Mid-States Associates office in Rhinelander after retiring from the WI-DOT.
Karl always loved visiting Madison and cheering on his beloved Badgers. He had a deep respect for nature and the outdoors. He will be remembered as having incredible sense of humor, honesty, and integrity. He believed in completing any task with a high level of quality. Karl was often heard saying “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”
Karl is survived by his partner Karen Tait, his sons Max Runge and Alex (Mari) Runge, his grandchildren, Ilsa and Greta Runge, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
A visitation for Karl will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Marshfield. You may leave your private condolences at www.rembsfh.com. Rembs Funeral Home (715) 387-1242 is handling the arrangements for the family.
