We are so very sad to announce the passing of Roger Kurt Runkle on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at the age of 85 after a long period of illness.
Roger was born on October 13, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY, the second son of Charles and Gladys Runkle (Loveland). Following the early death of his father in 1944, the family lived with their grandparents in Hudson Falls, N.Y. where Roger and his brother Donald spent their childhood years. Roger attended Glens Falls High school.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Susan (nee Medcalf); his much-loved grandsons, Blake (Casey) and Evan Runkle and Justin (Alex) and Dakota (Rachel) Hamby; as well as daughter-in-law Lisa Runkle; stepdaughter, Angela (Keith) Cooper; stepson, Stephen Grant; and step-grand-daughter, Chelsea (Phil) Tesoriero. He was predeceased by his son, Karl; daughter Malia; brother Donald Runkle; former wife, Nancy Hagan; and parents Jim and Gladys Van De Mark.
His military career in the US Navy started upon graduation from Michigan State University in 1959. Upon completion of Flight Training, he flew patrols in the Pacific, based in Hawaii, followed by 2 years in Corpus Christi, during which time Malia and Karl were born. After assignment to Patrol Squadron 21 in Brunswick, Maine, he was Safety Officer for the Pacific Fleet P-3 squadrons at NAS Moffett Field, California, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. From 1971 to 1974 his P3 squadron was deployed to the Philippines with detachments in Vietnam and Thailand in support of the Vietnam conflict. In 1977, Roger was awarded the rank of Commander and returned to Pensacola as Executive Officer of Training Squadron VT/2 and Commanding Officer in 1978. Roger and Susan married in 1980, combining the two families together. Roger’s last tour of duty was as Assistant Chief of Staff at NATO Headquarters in Denmark from 1982-1985. He retired from the Navy in 1986, living and working in the Cincinnati area until moving to Florida in 2004.
Roger was a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather who was always
loyal and supportive to others. He loved travel, particularly to Maine and London, playing golf, keeping fit, watching football and above all, family visits, particularly at Christmas. He leaves behind treasured memories that will live on with family and friends.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Those wishing to attended virtually may do so by Zoom – https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78177151552?pwd=MXsR6dd8zOZmW31zx3WloWvRjanf4y Passcode – Runkle
Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Fort Edward.
There are not enough words to describe our sadness. Roger was the most amazing husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, friend, mentor, boss….the list goes on! He truly was a second dad to me after losing my dad at such a young age. He was always there for us, and his and Karl’s bond was absolutely unbreakable. Blake, Evan and I are heartbroken. He will be missed so very much. I hope you and Karl are hanging out together. We love you!
Commander Runkle was my commanding officer when I was a flight instructor at Pensacola during the late ’70s. When he assumed command life changed dramatically [for the better] as he entrusted me and others with appropriate responsibilities. He set the squadron up to be one of the best through his leadership and example. His trust in me opened up great opportunities. I was lucky to reestablish communications with him later in life. Being a Marine, I would point out that I consider him to have been one of the best command leaders I encountered during my entire career. Fair winds and following seas Commander Runkle.