Joel 'Joe' Runge

JOEL "JOE" RUNGE

Riverside

Joel A. "Joe" Runge, 59, of Riverside, who has been battling cancer with vigor and might, had told his family and friends that he just wanted to go home. This happened Thursday, April 28, 2016, in his own bed, in his own house, with his loving family surrounding him. Some might say he lost the battle to cancer, but no one will ever say he lost his spirit and dignity!

Joel Andrew Runge was born July 3, 1956, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Alfred and Jean (Kindelspire) Runge. He attended schools in Keokuk, graduating from the former Cardinal Stritch High School in 1975, then from Hamilton Business College in Mason City. On July 22, 1978, "Joe" as he has been known since birth, was united in marriage to Sherry JoAnn Bradbury there in Keokuk. This same year he began a career with Sheller Globe, now IAC, in Iowa City, the company he worked for until his death. In 1991, the couple bought their home in Riverside, where Joe took great pride and pleasure in his gardens, the yard, his neighbors and community.

He enjoyed fishing, boating and golfing with his buddies, stopping at most any casino, cheering on his Iowa Hawkeyes and of course, the tailgating that was part of the game.

He and Sherry loved to travel, whether it was to New Orleans, St. Louis for its Mardi Gras celebration, finding the great beaches of the world, or simply getting in the car and going nowhere special.

Joe liked things simple, but he loved his life with his family and friends!

His family includes his best friend, soulmate and wife, Sherry; his mother, Jean; and all his siblings and their spouses, Ray and Melody Runge, Dick and Cindy Runge, Tom and Marcia Runge, Larry and Patty Runge, Nick and Lori Runge, Tony and Cindy Runge, Pat and Treva Runge, Jeanie and Tom Burnside and Vicki and Jeff Rapaglia; Joe's father-in-law and his wife, Floyd and Galina Bradbury; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends that will miss our Joe.

His father, Alfred, has gone home before Joe.

Joe knew this day would come, and had asked that his family have a service among themselves to share and support each other; to all others, please remember Joe in your thoughts and if you feel so moved, consider a memorial donation in his memory to Iowa City Hospice, who made it possible for his last days to be with his family and in his home; or remember his Iowa Hawkeye spirit by contributing in his name to the University of Iowa Foundation in care of Iowa Athletics.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service has had the privilege to care for Joe's family and his arrangements.