John I. Runice

John I. Runice, 76, of Coon Valley passed away Friday, July 12, 2024.

He was born to Jerald and Irene (Erickson) Runice on June 18, 1948. He was raised in the Rising Sun and Ferryville area. John married Ellen Marks on August 28, 1976, in her parents’ front yard.

John went into the Navy in 1968 and served his country for 2 years. He managed several farms in the Rising Sun, Retreat, Liberty Pole, and Westby area. This included working for:  Arvid Olson, Glen Marks, Niely McKittrick, Nerison Farms (Paul and Cedric Veum), Virgil Lee, and Austin Roam.  He also built barns for Clifford Fjelstad, pole sheds for LeRoy Anderson, and worked for Experimental Enterprises in Illinois. In 1990 He went to work for Northern Engraving in La Crosse and West Salem. He worked there for 22 years until he had a stroke at work and then retired.

John lived in the trailer court by the radio station in Viroqua until he moved to Coon Valley. John enjoyed watching his oldest granddaughter, Lilli, play softball and going to baseball games. He loved watching and doing a variety of things with the younger grandchildren: Lane, trap shooting - Caleb, baseball and football-and Alexis, rodeo riding.

John is survived by his wife, Ellen; children: Adam (Melissa) Runice and Annette (Brian) Weimar; grandchildren: Lilli, Lane, Caleb, and Alexis “Lexi”; sisters: Beatrice Peterson, Jerrilynne “Dana” Waters, Alma (Gary) Robertson, and Mardele (Remi) Moore;  sisters-in-law: Margery Getter, Arlene Hanson, Elinor (Donnie) Robinson, Bonnie Marks, and Sharon Marks; brother-in-law Rick Miller; and several nieces, nephews, and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerald and Irene; in-laws, Homer and Irene Marks; brothers: Wayne Runice, Verdell “Opie” Runice; sister Lyla Hanson;  brothers-in-law: James Peterson, Alvin Hanson, Charlie Waters, Robert Marks, Kenneth Getter, Raymond Marks, and Gordan Hanson; sister-in-law Charolette Miller; nephews:  Craig Peterson, Jay Runice, Kyle Anderson, Paul Marks, Larry Getter, and Dwain Getter; great nephew Justin “Nort” Peterson; and great nieces, Cierre Schiffler and Jamie Mezera.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 from 1:30-6 p.m. with military rites at 1:30 p.m. 

The Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.  

Flower orders can be placed by calling Chances Are in Coon Valley at 608-452-3112 or visiting chancesarewi.com.

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