Roy Runstrom

Runstrom, Roy E. MADISON/DEFOREST-Roy E. Runstrom, age 89, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. He was born on Sept. 18, 1924, in Madison, the son of Eric and Clara (Lundquist) Runstrom. He graduated in 1942 from Madison East High School. Roy proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1943 until he was honorably discharged after serving in CBI - China Burma India Theatre until 1946. He was united in marriage to Beverly Niehus on Feb. 18, 1950. Roy worked for the Wisconsin Telephone Company for 36 years, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 410, Telephone Pioneers, and a charter member of St. Matthews Church (Now called New Life). Roy also served on the Board of Directors for Heartland Credit Union. After moving to DeForest, Roy and Bev joined Christ Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Beverly; son, David (Julie Ottum) Runstrom of Madison and Jon (Janet) Runstrom of Sun Prairie; grandchildren, Adam and Cory Runstrom, Claire (Brian) Johnson and Trisha (Josh) Beer; great-grandchildren, Mulugeta, Aaliyah, Aria and Kedzie Johnson; his brother-in-law, Robert (Gerda) Niehus; and his beloved Dachshund, Emma. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Richard “Rick” in 2003. Funeral Services will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 220 S. Main Street, DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, with the Reverend Jerry Olson presiding. A luncheon will follow the service. Entombment with military honors will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest, or Agrace HospiceCare. Roy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be dearly missed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.