Clarence "Sarge" Runge

April 2, 1931 - April 2, 2015

Clarence "Sarge" Runge, 84, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Genesis Healthcare, New Haven. Born in George, IA he was the son of the late Herman and Dena Runge. He served his country in Vietnam during which he received a Purple Heart. He went on to retire from the US Army in 1971 after 23 years of service, after which he worked for the Allen County Sheriff Department and Corrections where he retired in 1993 after 18 years of service. He was a member of American Legion Post 330 and Disabled American Veterans. He was known for his hobby of woodworking among his family and friends. He is survived by his children, Brad Runge and Beth (Clem) Lilly both of Fort Wayne; half siblings, Herman Runge of Sioux Falls, SD, and Grace Runge of Sibley, IA; step brothers, Leroy Venenga of Sanborn, IA, and George Venenga of Sioux Falls, SD; two grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and his loving pugs, Sissy Lou and Bubby Lou. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Doris Runge in 2010; and brother, Bernard Runge. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Tuesday at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven. Chaplain Brice Bennett officiating. Calling is also 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Entombment in Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne with military honors by the US Army and American Legion Post 330. Preferred memorials are to Southern Care Hospice.