Howard Runge was born September 29, 1937, in Burlington, Colorado, to Melvin and Viola (Einspahr) Runge.

     Howard entered the United States Army on November 26, 1956, and was honorably discharged from active duty on November 8, 1958. He continued serving in the reserves until November 30, 1962.

     Howard married Lila Miller on September 12, 1959, in McDonald, Kansas. Following their marriage, Howard and Lila made their home in Colby, Kansas, where Howard worked as a drywaller for Lewis Lindon. They later moved to McCook, where Howard began working for Roger Goltl. As a master drywaller, Howard left his mark on many businesses and homes throughout McCook and the surrounding area.

     When their children were young, weekends were often spent at the lake with good friends, where Howard was known to pull a prank or two. Howard and Lila also enjoyed Saturday nights square dancing with the Family Frolics Square Dance Club. Having enjoyed farm life while growing up, Howard purchased acreage in 1972, and the family later moved to Culbertson in 1976. Their weekends were then spent tending to cattle and crops. When the kids were young, they milked cows and raised bottle calves. Howard loved watching the cattle grow and sharing that joy with his grandchildren and, later, his great-grandchildren.

     Howard was known for his service to the community and for the faith that guided his life. He delivered Meals on Wheels and had been a devoted member of St. John's Lutheran Church since 1975. He served as an elder and, until recently, ushered every Sunday. Howard was also a wonderful caregiver to Lila and missed her dearly after her passing.

     Howard and Lila were blessed with three children: Robin, Jeanne, and Joyce.

     Howard passed away in Kearney, Nebraska on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. He was 88 years of age.

     Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Runge; his parents, Melvin and Viola Runge; daughter-in-law, Carol Runge; granddaughter, DeAnna Runge; grandson, Heath Fletcher; sisters, Doris (Rex) Eyestone and Grace Runge; brothers-in-law, John (Kay) Winfrey, Marlin (Connie) Miller, Gail Miller, Richard Gramm, and Bob Middleton; and sister-in-law, Twila Miller.

     He is survived by his children, Robin Runge, Jeanne (Chuck) Leick, and Joyce (John) Kershaw; grandchildren: Eric (Amber) Runge, Alex (Brenna) Runge, Aaron Lawless, Jason (Tara) Lawless, Jessica (Daniel) Guerrero, Jordan (Jill) Kershaw, Joshua (Abbie) Kershaw, Jacee (Tyler) Jedlicki, Justin Kershaw, Matthew Fletcher, Cheyenne Fletcher, and Tanner (Kaleigh) Leick; great-grandchildren: Andi, Palmer, Drew, Rylee, Lyla, Myles, Michael, Parker, Mika, Emmersyn, Harper, Knox, Preston, Makayla, Abilene, Dalton, Raymond, Amelia, Hudson, Palmer, and Brooks; sisters, Elvira Gramm and Ruby Tubbs; and brother, John (Georg) Runge.

     Howard will be remembered for his steady faith, strong work ethic, playful sense of humor, and deep love for his family and the farm life he so greatly enjoyed.

      Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chaple in McCook. Howard's family will be present to greet friends from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

     Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 Am on Friday morning, August 21, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Culbertson with Pastor Brad Rick officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Culbertson Cemetery.

     Memorials in Howard's name are suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church in Culbertson. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.