Robert Will Runke was born on November 25th, 1946 to Floyd Kenneth Runke and Shirley Will Runke. He was their first born son and five years later joined by his brother Don Runke where they all resided in Mapleton, MN. Bob graduated from Mapleton High School in 1965 and continued his education at Mankato State College where he eventually met his wife Polly Runke. His third year of university he joined the Army Reserves and after returning from basic training he and Polly were married on June 14, 1969. Bob then completed college and graduated with degrees in accounting and finance in 1970 where he continued on to a successful career in the telecommunications industry which bounced him and his family around the states while Bob developed his skills and advanced his career. He started this adventure in Madison, Wisconsin with General Telephone, three years later shifting to United Telephone in Mansfield, Ohio where his children were born, then migrating with the company to Hood River, OR and then eventually landing in Kansas City working for Sprint. After 30 loyal years with the phone company and an accomplished career he was blessed to retire early at the age of 55.
Bob and Polly have two amazing children, Jennifer Lyn Fisher who lives in Roeland Park, KS and Ryan Will Runke who resides in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to their children they are blessed with three amazing grandchildren, Skyler Runke and Cole and Ben Fisher, who they love dearly and have kept them moving and laughing.
In the wonderful life they have shared together Bob and Polly were lucky enough to travel and see some of the world together with some of their most memorable and cherished trips being visiting Hawaii, Brussels Belgium, the Caribbean and Alaska and Washington DC.
Celebration of Life will be 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 25th at Leawood Presbyterian Church, 2715 W. 83rd Street, Leawood, Kansas 66206. Visitation will be from 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm prior to the service as well as following the service at the church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Runke family.
