Wilfred J. “Will” Runde, 94, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Harmony Nursing Home in Dubuque.

Will was born on January 31, 1930 in Dubuque, IA, the eldest of four children of Alfred and Irene (Cullen) Runde.

Will was a 1943 graduate of St. Mary’s, a 1947 graduate of Loras Academy and a 1951 graduate of Loras College. He took a year off from his coaching duties at East Dubuque High School to earn an MA degree from Catholic University through Loras College in 1965.

After spending 1951-52 getting a minor in P.E. at UW-Platteville, Will taught and coached at Baldwin, IA during 1952-53 and 1953-54. The next two years, 1954-1955 and 1955-1956, Will taught and coached at Goose Lake, IA.

In the fall of 1957, Will moved back to his home town where he taught and coached until 1992 at East Dubuque High School.

Will played baseball and softball on some area teams, most notably on baseball teams ably managed by Jerry Vaassen and Gene Accola.

Will had a lifelong interest in HO gauge model railroading which began with a train on an oval track from Santa Claus. It culminated with a basement layout which was constructed beginning in 1992. A few years later, an addition was built.

July 1, 2002 was an important day. That day, a 13 pound soft coated wheaten puppy came to live at 301 Montgomery Avenue. CJ (for Casey Jones) grew to 38 pounds and became a marvelous friend. A few months later, he was joined by Choo Choo, a black and white domestic short haired kitten. They became close friends. It was one happy family.

He is survived by his sisters, Arlene Vincent and Marilyn Splinter and by 14 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Paul; sister-in-law, Shirley Runde; brothers-in-law, Ron Vincent and Fred Splinter; and nephew, Pat Splinter.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, at Saint Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Eternal Father, we offer you the body and blood, soul and divinity of your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

For the sake of his sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©