Willis D. Runne

Willis D. Runne, 87, of Rockford, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Provena Cor Mariae. Born August 20, 1923 in Rockford, the son of Joseph and Dolly Runne. Married to Nellie E. Kammerer on August 30, 1947 in Pecatonica. Graduated from Durand High School in 1941, served in the U.S. Army during WWII and graduated from Lake Forest College in 1947. Mr. Runne worked for 28 years at Barber Coleman Co., retiring in 1990 as director of Personnel and Administration. Survivors include his wife, Nellie; sons, Dr. Thomas (Dr. Joan) Runne, Dr. William (Aoi) Runne; daughters, Dr. Barbara (Lawrence) Theobald, Dr. Judith (Dr. Kenneth) Stone; grandchildren, John Runne, Olivia, Isabel and Amelia Runne, Joseph and Lee Theobald, Amanda and Michael Stone. Predeceased by his parents, brother, Donald, and nephew, Chuck. Special thanks to Dr. Tom Michalsen and to the staff at Provena Cor Mariae for their loving care and compassion. Memorial Service 5 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory (Mulford Chapel) 1860 South Mulford Road. Pastor Jacki Wills officiating. Visitation from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday April 23, 2011 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Salvation Army 500 South Rockford Road or United Way of Rockford 612 N. Main Street.