Terry Allen Runke, Buffalo

Terry Allen Runke, age 61, of Buffalo, and formerly of Hutchinson, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013, while turkey hunting in South Dakota and is now in the great hunting field of heaven. Terry was born on June 22, 1951, in Hutchinson, to Milan and Lucille Carlson Runke. After graduating from Hutchinson High School, he and his friend, Leigh Anglin, worked on the wheat harvest based out of York, N.D., working for Don Haugen where they were known as “Haugen’s Heroes” and “Wheat Whackers.” Terry graduated from Hutchinson Vocational Technical in 1974 with a degree in audio visual technology. He worked for the Marshall School System then moved to Maple Lake, where he worked as the Samsung repair man for the Twin Cities metro area. Terry was an avid hunter and fisherman. He taught gun safety for 31 years. He was a member of Pheasants Forever, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Minnesota Deer Hunters, National Wild Turkey Federation and Hasty-Silver Creek Sportsman’s Club. He was a faithful member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Terry and his wife, Gail, married July 27, 1974, in Renville. God blessed their marriage with four children and a grandchild. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Milan Runke, and father-in-law, Lowell Bratsch. He is survived by his wife, Gail; two daughters: Sara and fiancé, Nick Vergin, Sonia Rebecca; and granddaughter, Anna Jo; son, Cody; his mother, Lucille Runke; three brothers: Carl (Ardell), Dale (Pat) and Gene (Laurie) Runke; two sisters: Janet (Jim) Thompson and Kay Runke and their families; many hunting and fishing buddies. Funeral services for Terry Runke were conducted Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at 11 a.m., at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Interment followed at Lakeview Cemetery in Buffalo. A visitation was Tuesday, May 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church. A prayer service was at 7:30 p.m. Casket bearers were Carl Runke, Dale Runke, Gene Runke, Jim Thompson, Kelly Runke and Jack Carlson. The Peterson Chapel, in Buffalo, served the family. Online condolences may be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com