Gerald "Gerry" Percy Runia

Gerald Runia, age 95, of Tyler, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler, Minnesota. Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2018, at the Skandia Evangelical Free Church near Balaton, Minnesota. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 8, 2018, at Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. A Prayer Service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, at the church.

Percy Gerald “Gerry” Runia was born November 20, 1922, in Sheldon, Iowa, to Ralph Frank and Kate (Zeylemaker) Runia. After the family moved to Minnesota, he attended school in Chandler though the 8th grade before helping his parents on the farm outside Lake Wilson. As an adult, Gerry was baptized at Skandia E. Free Church in Balaton.

Gerald was united in marriage to Jean Magnuson on February 14, 1948, at the Skandia E. Free Church. They celebrated their anniversary together on Valentine’s Day for the last 70 years. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and was currently a proud member of the American Legion.

Gerry was a proud Dutchman and solid in his faith. He was a member of the Skandia E. Free Church in Balaton. He loved his work, farming his whole life. Even in retirement he took to gardening and continued to work the soil and provide for his family and friends. He enjoyed going to garden markets all over the area.

Gerald Runia died in Tyler, Minnesota, on July 3, 2018, at the age of 95 years, 7 months, and 13 days. Blessed be his memory.

Gerry is survived by his wife, Jean Runia of Tyler, 6 children, Keith Runia of Isle, Dale Runia of Rockford, IL, Lois (Rolly) Bedow of Tyler, Nancy (Tim) Ward of Fillmore, Greg Runia (Michelle Busch) of Montevideo, Norman (LauraLee) Runia of St. Cloud; 18 grandchildren, Ross, Robin, Dan, Joel, Malorie, Bethany, Brett, Jennessa, Alissa, Joshua, Zachary, Jason, Jonathan, Jenny, Jessica, Justin, Trystan, Tyrell; many great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy (Don) Mitchell, Helen (Harvey) Horn, Eldon “Butch” Runia, Mitchell (Carolyn) Runia, Phyllis (Jim) Nielsen, Wally (Evelyn) Runia; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Roger Runia; daughter, Sandra Kramer; daughters-in-law, Pam and Lila; and siblings, Bob Runia, Vernon Runia, Gilbert Runia, Fredrick Runia, Richard Runia, Ruth Ann Runia, and Evelyn Mitchell.