Randy Clifford Runge

Randy C. Runge age 66 of Alexandria died on Saturday, December 5 2015 at his home. A Funeral Service will be held 5:30 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Visitation will be held from 4:00-5:30 PM prior to the service on Thursday. OBITUARY Randy Clifford Runge was born July 23, 1949, to the parents of Clifford and Bernice (Johnson) Runge in Long Prairie, MN. As the middle child of seven he grew up in Rockford, IL, where he graduated from Harlem High School. Many summers growing up were spent visiting relatives in Eagle Bend. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the US Army and served as a convoy escort in Vietnam. Moving to Alexandria after his tour of service, he met Karen Navratil and they were married September 28, 1974 at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Alexandria. Together they started a family and moved to a small dairy farm where he also worked as an independent plumber. He then became a master plumber/steamfitter for Minneapolis Pipefitters Local 539 and traveled to locations such as Sweden and New York. While in New York, he was introduced to an apple orchard and brought the idea back to Minnesota where he started his own orchard in 1995. He became known as the “Apple Guy”. He enjoyed selling his apples and making apple wine. Retiring in his early 60’s allowed him to concentrate on the orchard and spend time with his family. Randy enjoyed hunting and fishing, being outdoors, collecting spearing decoys and tinkering with projects. Most of all Randy loved being with his family and friends. Randy died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at their farm. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Bonnie Kneprath and son, Scott. Randy is survived by his wife, Karen of Alexandria; children, Laurie (Sam) Huber of Alexandria and DeAnn Runge of Alexandria; grandchildren Taylor and Lauren Huber; siblings, Jerry (Carol) Runge of Rockford, IL, Merle (Shirley) Runge of Alexandria, Jim (Carolyn) Runge of Alexandria, Debbie (Richard) Shouler of LeCenter, MN and Brad (Nancy) Runge of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with Reverend Noel Rich officiating. Military Honors were provided by Alexandria American Legion Post 87, American Legion Post 936 and the Minnesota National Honor Guard. Inurnment will be at the Bohemian Independent Cemetery in Alexandria.

Randy Clifford Runge

July 23, 1949 - December 5, 2015