Marion Runge

Marion Louise Runge, formerly of Wind Lake, Wisconsin, with her children by her side, was reunited with the Lord and her husband on the morning of July 5, 2026. Wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Marion exemplified these roles throughout her life. Marion demonstrated and lived out the principals of her Christian faith, by helping others, providing compassion, and putting other’s needs before her own.

Born on March 2, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Walter “Wally” Edward and Dorothy Louise (Bayer) Prohl, Marion grew up on the northside of Milwaukee, near Capital Avenue with her grandfather Harry Bayer, with her younger brother, Ronald Prohl. She attended St. Agnes Catholic School in her formative years and graduated from Ruffus King High School in 1961. While in high school, Marion met the love of her life, William “Bill” Runge. The two were united in holy matrimony on September 18, 1965 and moved from Milwaukee to Wind Lake three years later. Wind Lake and its residents became their home and friends for the next 57 years.

During this time, Marion became a mother to both a daughter and a son, Danielle Marie and Michael William. It was through her steadfast faith and conviction that she introduced her family to Jesus Christ and the miraculous wonders of this world. Marion’s involvement and participation at St. Clare parish was instrumental in providing her family a strong religious foundation.

Marion, a curious and adventurous person, was always willing to try something new with her family and friends. She was unbelievably lucky throughout her life, winning several major outdoor trips to Alaska and Canada. She completely adored her grandchildren and the “adopted” grandchildren she cared for after she retired. Every summer she would eagerly look forward to spending time with her grandchildren at her home in Wind Lake or at the lake cabin in Danbury, Wisconsin and always packed “snicky snacks” for them. Marion’s love of the outdoors was evident in the numerous fishing excursions she and Bill took throughout their marriage. That uncanny streak of luck helped Marion land many “lunker” fish over the years. Marion and Bill also took numerous road trips around the United States, from Maine to Louisiana, Oregon, and many states in between with the Eagles and old county music songs serenading them along the way.

When not fishing or traveling, Marion could be found working in her garden, tending to her flower beds, photographing the butterflies and hummingbirds, canning dill pickles and making salsa from the tomatoes she grew in her garden. We all love and will miss her Tomato Jam, it was a family recipe she made for all us specially for her brother Ron for his birthday gifts over many years.  During her children's adolescence years, Marion was a Girl Scout leader and volunteer for the CCD program at St. Clare parish. Later in life, she crocheted numerous baby blankets, hats and prayer shawls. Additionally, she enjoyed collecting, pressing, and making many beautiful floral arrangements for family and friends.

Marion also was an avid supporter of her children's and grandchildren’s sporting events. One did not need a cheering section when Marion was on your side. When it came down to being just a mom, her words of encouragement, love, patience and support were unparalleled.

Marion is survived by her daughter, Danielle and son-in-law Tim Johnson of Strum, Wisconsin, son, Michael and daughter-in-law Brett Runge of Deadwood, South Dakota. She is also survived by five grandchildren (Emma, Grace, and Hannah Johnson and Jonas and Elijah Runge), her brother Ronald Prohl, and his wife Dale and four nieces and nephews (Tina, Tony, Angie, and Nick).

Visitation will be held at St. Clare Church (27616 Fritz St, Wind Lake, WI) on Monday, July 27, 2026, 4:00 to 6:00pm. Visitation will continue 9AM-9:45AM Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at St. Clare Catholic Church, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM. Interment with immediate family only will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin at 1pm. Following the interment, lunch will be provided at Kelly’s Bleachers in Wind Lake starting at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to St. Clare Catholic Church for the restoration of the St. Clare statue.

The families are grateful to all who helped and supported us during this difficult time.

Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Runge family.

• Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home
• 225 W. Main Street Waterford, WI 53185
• 262-534-2233
• www.stencelfh.com