Obituary for First Lt. John M Runkle Jr (Guest book)

A candle was lit by T.Gibson 466B EOD on April 9, 2023 1:07 PM

Happy birthday brother!

A candle was lit by T.Gibson 466B EOD on April 9, 2023 1:05 PM

Message from Fredericksburg, ohio

February 7, 2016 8:20 PM

He has not been forgotten and the family is still in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for his service, your sacrifice and giving all.

Message from Robin (Jeromesville)

February 7, 2016 10:30 AM

Thank You for your service.
Gone, but never forgotten.

A candle was lit by Robin (Jeromesville) on February 7, 2016 10:27 AM

A candle was lit by Richard & Barbara Bishop - Burbank on February 7, 2016 8:10 AM

A candle was lit by Lukretia R. Johnson-Fieni on February 7, 2016 5:16 AM

Message from Rittman, Ohio/Fairfield, Ca....

February 7, 2016 4:36 AM

I am so very sorry for the loss of your Son.... May your Hero, OUR Hero...Rest In Peace... He is joined and greeted by many, including my Hero who went to Heaven in 2012. He was a Vietnam Veteran....He now is an Angel and will forever keep a loving presence over his entire family and friends...This has only been farewell, he will greet you on the other side when it is time for you to take that journey to him.... Praying for your family....

A candle was lit by Noreen Porter, Rittman Ohio.... on February 7, 2016 4:31 AM

Message from Deb Shriver Smith

February 7, 2016 4:15 AM

Praying that You All Have God's Comfort & Peace Surrounding you. Words cannot Begin to Express My Utmost Gratitude to this Brave Young Hero!!!!! We owe our Freedom to him & All Those Who Serve Our Country!!!! I DO Not Take Lightly, the Red Stripes in our Flag, representing the Blood that Has Been Shed for Our FREEDOM!!!!! I AM So Very Sorry, He Paid The Ultimate Price for Us. I Thank You, for His Brave Service To Our Country, & Freedom!!!!!! God Bless All Those Who Love Him, & Miss Him STILL!!!!
With Respect & Gratefulness,
Deb Shriver Smith
WOOSTER
HE HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!

Message from Gary Mellor

February 6, 2016 10:49 PM

Thoughts and prayers for the family of a young man gone way too soon.

Gary Mellor, MCPO, USN, (ret)

A candle was lit by Rebecca Chenevey on February 6, 2016 10:32 PM

Message from Dan and Nancy Lykins

February 6, 2016 10:25 PM

Thank you for such a great sacrifice.......

A candle was lit by Dan and Nancy Lykins on February 6, 2016 10:21 PM

Message from Theda and Larry Zimmerman

February 6, 2016 10:05 PM

We extend our deepest sympathies to John's family, we see the small memorial in West Salem and are reminded of your loss. We hope you are finding peace about your loss.

Message from Wooster, Ohio

February 6, 2016 9:36 PM

I am embarrassed to admit that I am just finding out about this wonderful man's service, and passing. But I could not let this pass without stepping up, and recognizing what his life meant to me, and this nation. First, thank you, John Runkle, for your service to this nation, and for you sacrifice for it. Second, I extend my sincere gratitude, and condolences to everyone he held near and dear. I apologize if this late notice has opened new wounds, but I had to say something. God bless all of you.

Message from Roger B Goodrich

June 29, 2014 4:23 PM

From: Robert B. Goodrich
Email: wtfd1428@sssnet.com
For the passing of First Lt. John Runkle Jr
------------------------------
Rest in Peace my brother. The dog in the picture is Ranger and he was named in your Honor. Tomorrow we are teaching a group of young people from the foundation I run. We are going to teach them marksmanship skills and show them what a good retriever can do. We are going to tell them your story. You are missed. Rangers Lead The Way! HOOAH!

Message from Pat Norris

June 11, 2011 7:33 PM

I do not know you, but my greatest condolences to your entire family in the loss of a great HERO and his awesome service to his country. He is in heaven with many heroes and we thank him for all that he has done. My prayers will be with you. God Bless you all! John, my prayer to you..Thank You!

Message from Don Lewis, Fresno,Ohio

June 9, 2011 11:07 AM

Thank you, John for service to this great country an for paying the ultimate sacrifice. My prayers are with you an your family. I know you made your folk''s and Grandparent''s very proud an honored to have such a son an grandson as you. God Bless you an rest in peace soldier. Thank you , John

Message from Tiffany Miller Fulbright

June 9, 2011 7:59 AM

So sorry for you all loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He is a TRUE hero. Thank you so much, John for your sacrifice and bravery. Rest in Peace.
Matt-Tiffany and Addyson Fulbright

Message from Matthew Bodkin

June 8, 2011 8:20 PM

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you all and remember that John will live on in heaven.

Message from Lyn Sadzewicz, West Salem

June 8, 2011 5:28 PM

As I stood with my co-workers at American Augers and watched the procession, I was completely filled with such emotion. I was glad that our hometown hero was finally home and I couldn''t help but wonder what his family was feeling seeing all the heartfelt support for John. He is truly our hero. He has paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and we are all extremely proud of him and grateful. I hope that it brings you some comfort in knowing how many of us are mourning his passing along with you. God Bless America. Thank you, John, for your bravery and may you rest in peace. You will not be forgotten. Lyn & Larry Sadzewicz

Message from Bill & Karen Cletzer

June 8, 2011 4:21 PM

We offer our condolences to the family and friends of 1LT John Runkle for the loss of this HERO who will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service to this Grateful Nation. Rest In Peace.

"All Gave Some, Some Gave All"

Message from .

June 8, 2011 7:08 AM

This is so sad. Such a waste of a young life. Sadly aslong as the US & British governments interfere with other countries and stick their noses into whats none of their business this will continue to happen.

Rest In Peace Soldier.

Message from Lester Steve Clason Sgt 1st Class Fort Drum 10th Mountain Div

June 7, 2011 9:04 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Although I can not be present as I am serving in Afghanistan myself. Please know that I am thinking of you. I am a West Salem native, graduate of NW High School Class of 1990. RIP God Bless.

Message from Matthew and Michelle Bodkin

June 7, 2011 8:27 PM

May God be with you and your family in this time of greatest sorrow. Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this tremendous loss.

Message from Jan Vaughn

June 7, 2011 2:33 PM

Your family are in my prayers.  I am so sorry for your loss.  My heart goes out to you all.
Thank you for raising a fine son and soldier.
I have a son in the Navy that is one year older than John.  They did not know each other.  May God give you peace.
Respectfully yours,
Jan Vaughn
Stephenville, Texas

Message from Michael D. Ray and Family

June 7, 2011 1:12 PM

Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We are proud to know a true hero that unfortunate gave his all for our country. May the Lord bless you all with comfort in your sorrow and to keep John''s precious memories everlasting.

Message from Greg & Deb Nofsinger

June 7, 2011 11:55 AM

We are praying for your family as you walk this terrible dark journey in life...May God give you strength, love & Grace to get thru the days and months ahead... we do know the terrible pain u feel daily as we lost our daughter in 2005...your lives are changed forever!!
We thank you and your son for serving our country and for the Hero he is...He will not b forgotten, he lives on in your hearts Forever!!

Greg & Deb Nofsinger

Message from Bob and Bobbie Randall

June 7, 2011 8:34 AM

Our hearts broke when his casket came out of the plane at the airport. As part of the 555 Honor Detachment, we stood at attention when he arrived home. We were proud to honor John with his untimely homecoming. Being part of the procession behind the hearse and the limo that you rode was our honor. The love and respect for Lt. John was unforgettable. May God grant you peace for the days ahead. Thank you for raising such a fine young man; a hero to his fellow man.

Message from Shelly (Simmons) Heidemann

June 7, 2011 4:44 AM

My sincerest sympathy to you all! I just can''t believe itt! I wish I could be at the funeral but we are currently stationed in Japan! Please know that I am praying for you and your family! My husband was in Afghanistan not too long ago and he as well would like to express his condolences! We are so sorry! I will never forget John!

Message from Sabrina & Seth Wyatt

June 6, 2011 8:34 PM

So very sorry for your loss. Thank you for your noble service and it will never go unappreciated. God bless you and your family in this hard time and know we are thankful for Johns bravery.

Message from Sabrina Mark Bowles

June 6, 2011 6:25 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this hard time. God Bless you soldier. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to this country. You are a HERO to all of us and will be greatly missed. Can''t believe it has happened so close to home it is very awakening and i am proud to have known such an amazing person. My sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of such a brave soldier. I can''''t express enough gratitude for his sacrifice. Thank you John for your bravery you will be missed.

Message from Bob and Carol Bilek

June 6, 2011 5:49 PM

May God Bless you for raising such an outstanding young man. Our prayers are with you and all of our troops. Remember "...to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians, 5:2. We are sure sure that John is at the right hand of Jesus. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice John and you have made on behalf of all of us.

Bob and Carol Bilek

Message from Susan Van Norstran

June 6, 2011 4:58 PM

To the Family of John Runkle Jr.
My Heartfelt Sympathy at the loss of John J. Thank You John J for your Service and Bravery to protect our Freedom that you laid down your life for it!!!!!!!!! Rest in Peace and God Bless!!!!!!!!

Message from Bryon, Sarah, and Jacob Cerklefskie

June 6, 2011 4:39 PM

Hero - a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

I can''t think of a better word.

Thank you John. Thank you Runkle family.

We are honored to say we got the opportunity to know such a person.

Message from Tammy Gallatin

June 6, 2011 2:41 PM

We were truly blessed to have you in our family, John. Your honesty, integrity and courage were an example to us all. May your soul rest peacefully with our Lord until we meet again. With much gratitude and love, Tammy

Message from Erin Burdette

June 6, 2011 12:13 PM

Chris, Jana and family-
This morning, we gathered by your house and watched our hometown hero ride past his childhood home. It was quiet, surreal and yet proud. The community stands behind you and thanks you for John and his service. We will all fly our flags with even more pride as we remember our hero and his family. There are no words to thank a man who lays down his life for our freedom, but please know we all love you and will continue to pray for your peace.

"Lay me down...in that open field out on the edge of town. And know my soul- is where my mama always prayed that it would go... if you''re reading this, I''m already home". -Tim McGraw

Rest in peace John, and thank you for your bravery.

Message from Pamela Eikleberry

June 6, 2011 10:10 AM

God Bless you soldier. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to this country. Because of you our country is still free. We are still home of the brave and land of the free. Thank you again 1st LT. John Runkle and God Bless you and your family.
AN AMERICAN HERO.

Message from Cindy Bridges

June 6, 2011 9:14 AM

So sorry to hear about your Son. Giving a life for our country has got to be the highest act of patriotism ever. I want to thank you for sharing your son to service our country so we can continue to have our freedom. Even though I did not know John I appreciate everything that he did for us and our country. I was honored to saluate the procession on Route 42 for John. God Bless you and your family.

Message from Kellee Mulligan

June 6, 2011 9:09 AM

It''s so weird, a month ago I found a picture of John, my sister and I playing the freeze game in the basement of the old church. How time flies. My sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of such a brave soldier. I can''t express enough gratitude for his sacrifice.

Message from Missie Tucker

June 6, 2011 8:52 AM

I just wanted to let you know your family is in my prayers. I did not know John But having family and friends serving I now understand the full sacrafice. Thank you John for your sacrafice.

Message from David Leighty

June 6, 2011 5:21 AM

Lt.,

God Bless You and thank you for your sacrifice for this country.

Message from Craighton, Andrea and Tyler Farley

June 6, 2011 3:01 AM

To the Runkle Family, though we do not know you personally, as Americans we thankyou with all of our hearts for the sacrifice your family has experienced for our freedoms. Words can not express our sympathy for you. Our nephew served in Afghanistan about two years ago as did our friends son. Your son is a true hero, inspiration,and American and will live on in the frredoms that we get because of his ultimate sacrifice and that will never be forgotten. All of our prayers for your family.........
The Farley''s.....Wadsworth Ohio

Message from Jeff, Pattie, Josh and Luke Wenrich

June 6, 2011 1:26 AM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in your many memories that you have of John. It is because of him that we the many freedoms that we have and enjoy today. 1st Lt. Runkle may be gone but he will never be forgotten forever a Hero. Godspeed Solider!

Message from Heather Shedron

June 5, 2011 9:55 PM

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten 1st LT. John Runkle. Bless you and your family.

Message from Tim, Lisa, Nick, Colby, and Marc Jeffries

June 5, 2011 9:42 PM

We wanted to thank you for your son''s service to our country and as you know,as a family, you serve right along side of him so we also thank you. We appreciate his service and we would like to offer our sincere condolences on the loss of your son. Even though we did not know him personally, we grieve his loss as if we did.
God Bless your family and the United States of America.
Thank you.
The Jeffries'' Wooster, Ohio

Message from Betty Jo Jennings

June 5, 2011 9:29 PM

I am so sorry for your great loss. I appreciate the great gift of freedom that we enjoy here in our great country. I know there is not a word that will help you now, so all I can say is thank you and to John Jr. and your family.

Message from Jana Windom

June 5, 2011 9:24 PM

My heart goes out to all of you! He is an American Hero. It takes a strong person to join the military and want to fight for our freedom! He is gone but NEVER forgotten! May God Bless you all at this time! My thoughts and prayers are with you as well! Another angel gets his wings! HOOOOAH I know John will be the greatest angel to all of us soldiers! <3 He was ARMY STRONG! Forever he will be in our hearts!

Message from Bill and Lisa Smith & Children

June 5, 2011 5:57 PM

Chris and John,

Giving one''s life for your country is the highest act of patriotism possible. Your son, was a true patriot. His bravery and valor are evident. He died defending freedom for the country he loved so dearly. We wanted to let you know how very sorry we are. Please extend our sympathy to your entire family. God Bless You and God Bless America.

In deepest sympathy on your loss. A grateful nation shares in your grief.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -Elmer Davis Thank You 1st Lt. John Runkle

Message from Ellen Eyring

June 5, 2011 3:12 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope it is comforting to know that your son accomplished more in his short life than a lot of us do in more years. He must have lived each and everyday. God Bless your family!

Message from James and Tina Stanley

June 5, 2011 2:42 PM

It is with our deepest sympathy that you are experiencing this loss. Your son accomplished so much in his short time here. WVHMile in this time of certain mourning, you must be hearkbroken...yet PROUD!!! I thank you for the young man you raised and the sacrifice he made for his Family and Country. Your Family is in our Prayers. God Bless!

Message from Brian and Lisa Peterman

June 5, 2011 10:45 AM

There is nothing greater than a son. A son who chose to serve his country for people he never knew. Thank you for sharing your son with us and may you find peace in knowing so many understand your great loss and pray you find peace through the support and prayers that we send to you.

Message from Lisa and David Tusing

June 5, 2011 10:22 AM

To John and His Family,

         The handsome young soldier who went off to war.
         He left his family, his friends and more.
         He thought he''d be back and go on as before.
         The handsome young soldier who went off to war.
         His life was just starting,
         He should have had fun, Carefree days with his place in
         the sun.
         He came back to the sound of taps eerie blowing,
         The pain and the tears so silently flowing. He lay there so still, his
         heart beats no more. The handsome young soldier who went off to
         war.  The cold wind is weeping, the sun hides away, for this is
         the darkest, the darkest of days.  The town has all gathered to say
         their good-byes, With hearts that are heavy and tears in their eyes.
         His sojourn has ended, his life is no more, The very brave young
         soldier who went off to war...... John,  Please know you will never
         be forgotten, you will always be in our hearts. With Love, always

                                                            Lisa and David Tusing,
                                                            Orrville. Ohio

Message from Anthony Bernal

June 5, 2011 8:44 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this hard time. As a fellow soldier having served over n Iraq and Afghanistan, I feel I lost a brother. 1LT Runkle will never be forgotten and he will always be a hero!

Message from Elaine Tenney(Miller)

June 5, 2011 8:19 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap you in his arms in this time of darkness. Our prayers are with your family.

First Lt. John M Runkle Jr

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