Eugene Wesley "Rube" Runyan

Eugene Wesley “Rube” Runyan, age 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home in North Liberty on January 20, 2021.  Rube was  born February 4, 1930 in Niles, Michigan to the late Charles and Anna (Petruska) Runyan.  At the age of 17,  Rube left high school to join the Army where he served in the Company D 66th Tank Battalion for 18 months prior to his honorable discharge in February of 1948.  On January 4, 1958, he married Evelyn Opal (Platz) Tadlock in North Liberty, Indiana.  Evelyn preceded him in death on March 12, 2020.  Though he didn’t get to celebrate his 91st birthday, Rube got his wish; to join Evelyn in Heaven.

Surviving are his children Sandra Packer, Sharon Stephens, and Vickie Hill, all of Walkerton, Indiana, Terrie (Teddy) Gorski of Hanna, Indiana, Deb (Ed) Aldrich of North Liberty, Indiana, Jackie (Curt) Klingerman of Walkerton, Indiana, Beth (Rocky) Smith of North Liberty, Indiana, and Steve (Leanne) Runyan of Fort Wayne, Indiana as well as his children from a previous marriage, Nancy and Teri of Michigan.  Surviving as well are 20 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandsons, with one more on the way soon, and his brother in law Leroy Seaverson.  Preceding him in death were his children Deb and George, his siblings Henry Runyan and Barbara Seaverson, his son-in-law Don Stephens and his grandson Billy Packer.

There will be no services for Rube.  The family asks that you remember him in your own special way.  Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola is assisting with arrangements.

Rube was employed for over 40 years as a carpenter with Matlock Construction.  In his spare time, he enjoyed playing Euchre, spending time outdoors  hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting, as well as chopping wood to heat his home.  He also enjoyed frequenting Kaser Auctions in the area and having garage sales at his home almost weekly.  Rube would often be seen cruising the streets of North Liberty on his scooter.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 365  in North Liberty, and the self-proclaimed “Mayor of North Liberty.”

In his memory, donations may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice.  The Runyan family would also like to give a special acknowledgement to the staff at First Source Bank who Rube loved; Jamie, Allyson, Kailey, and Jenn.

To leave a message of condolence for the Runyan family, share a memory of Rube, or light a virtual candle in his memory, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above. 

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