Edward Runge

passed away with his family by his side on July 12, 2015 at Phoenix Baptist Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a loving husband, father of three children and grandfather of five. Dad was born on May 26, 1932 in Milford, New Jersey in the middle of the Depression. He helped support his family by working on a chicken ranch until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Boatswain’s mate in the Korean War from 1950-1953. After the war Ed married the former Mary T. Becker on May 21, 1955. Dad studied woodworking at Rochester Institute of Technology and became a wonderful cabinetmaker. He worked at the Phoenix Cabinet Shop and then re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy Seabees in Rhode Island as a builder and a welder with navy tours in Scotland, Liberia and Spain. Our family moved back to Phoenix in 1968 where Dad eventually started his own business, Ed’s Olde Furniture. He loved to make and repair furniture and was very knowledgeable in the building trades. He and our Mom built a house and shop by themselves in Wickenburg, AZ. He became the lead cabinetmaker for APS from 1980 to 1994 building their pay stations, retiring in 1994. He and his wife have enjoyed traveling and spending many summers in San Diego. A recent trip to Disneyland on his 60th wedding anniversary put a giant smile on Dad’s face. Dad/Grandpa was a generous, loving man who loved to laugh and find humor in everyday life. Dad was strong and athletic; he was honest and fair with his children and grandchildren. He was always ready to stop and help family and friends. He was never condescending or critical and was so happy when a family member succeeded in their endeavors. Ed was 83 years old and had a very full life, but left us way too soon. He is survived by his wife Mary; his sister Betty; his three children: Christine Siroky, Michele Combs and Michael Runge; his five grandchildren: Colette Siroky, Jeffrey Reynolds and Diane, Shota and Kae Runge; daughter-in-law Misako N. Runge; and son-in-law Brad Siroky. Visitation is planned for Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary in Glendale, AZ from 3-5 pm. Military Honors are scheduled on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 11:00am at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers make a donation to your favorite charity in the spirit of our wonderful father and grandfather. There will never be another like him.