John D. Runge, 88

John D. Runge was Idaho through and through. Though born in Omaha, Neb., to Edna and Floyd Runge in 1938, John made Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, his home from the time his family moved there in 1946. Born close to the Fourth of July, he always celebrated his birthday on the Fourth at the family cabin on Twin Lakes, a tradition that reflected his love for family, the outdoors, and the place he called home.

John grew up enjoying the carefree days of Coeur d'Alene in the 1940s and '50s. He spent his childhood fishing on Fernan Lake, hunting rabbits on Cherry Hill, riding his bicycle around town, and swimming at the city beach. He attended Harding and Bryan schools, junior high on Seventh Street, and graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1956.

John met the love of his life, Nancy DeVoe, at Coeur d'Alene High School in 1957. They danced together at a school dance, and the rest is history. They married in 1959 and shared 67 wonderful years together, building a family and a lifetime of memories.

After six months in the Army, John continued his military service in the National Guard. He graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1961 while continuing his work at Runge Furniture, the family business established by his father, Floyd. John dedicated much of his life to the store and its customers, continuing to work until he was 80 years old. After retirement, he often said he missed his customers most. To John, they were more than customers; they were friends. He was known for his warm smile, easy conversation, good-natured teasing, and playful flirting. He had a way of making people feel welcome and leaving them with a smile of their own.

John was deeply involved in his community. He taught 4-H projects, sharing his knowledge of gardening, gun safety, and survival skills with young people. He was active in the Jaycees, where he formed many lifelong friendships, and participated in the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce. He also belonged to the Coeur d'Alene Gun Club and enjoyed competing on trap and skeet teams.

But John's happiest place was always the woods. An avid hunter and fisherman, he loved exploring North Idaho's forests and streams, fishing its lakes, picking huckleberries, and heading to his annual elk camp. He looked forward to those yearly adventures and the stories that came with them. In later years, he still loved showing off the elk he had harvested or the smaller deer he brought home. Even when hunting became less of an adventure, he cherished taking drives through familiar places, reliving old memories, and sharing the stories of a lifetime spent outdoors.

The family cabin at Twin Lakes held a special place in John's heart. It was where he fished, hunted, relaxed, celebrated birthdays, and spent precious time with the people he loved. John and Nancy also enjoyed traveling to Arizona as snowbirds, making memories together in a different setting while always remaining connected to North Idaho.

Above all, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He and Nancy raised four children: John, Kristine, Karen, and Jeff. His family was a source of great pride and joy, and his legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Nancy; his children, John Runge, Kristine (and Bruce) Brewer, Karen (and Jeff) Hill, and Jeff (and Shauna) Runge; and his 11 grandchildren: Shaun (and Danielle and Callan), Christopher, Hailey, Nicholas, Spencer, Emily, Abbey, Ethan, Elizabeth, Cliff and Sterling and 10 great-grandchildren; brother Jim (Donna) Runge; cousin Jeannie (Jim) Sullivan; brother-in-law Voyne Gleason; sister-in-law Patti Piper; numerous nieces and nephews.

John will be remembered for his love of family, his dedication to Runge Furniture and the Coeur d'Alene community, his quick wit, his friendly smile, and his enduring love for the outdoors. He lived a life rich in friendships, adventures, and cherished traditions.

Though he may no longer walk the woods he loved or cast a line into the waters of North Idaho, his stories, laughter, and spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He was Idaho through and through, and he will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A reception will follow at the church. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit John’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.