William Lee Runkles

William L. “Bill” Runkles, age 74 of Nebraska City passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on June 23, 1947 in Auburn, NE; the son of William H. and Dorothy J. (Sheckler) Runkles.  He attended school at Peru Prep where he graduated high school and then attended Peru State College where he received a Bachelor of Education Degree.  He later furthered his education at Northwest Missouri State University where he received his Masters in Science Education.

Bill began his teaching career in Rock Port, MO, where he met Teresa Marie Blasnitz.  They were married in their one bedroom house on December 24, 1979.  They moved to Nebraska City in 1980 where Bill taught Biology, Anatomy and Physiology at Nebraska City High School.  After teaching, Bill worked for SpeeDee Delivery as a Delivery Driver.

Bill and Teresa’s first son, Joshua was born in 1982 and their second son, Jacob was born in  1992.  They joined Bill’s first three children:  Shelley, Amanda “Mandy” and Jase.

He is survived by his wife Teresa Runkles of Nebr. City; children:  Shelly Harrison (Kyle) of Overland Park, KS, Mandy Runkles of Liberty, MO, Jase Runkles of Liberty, MO, Josh Runkles (Sarah) of Cameron, NC and Jake Runkles (Danielle) of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren:  Alexa Welcome, Ashlyn Welcome, Athen Welcome, Alec Welcome, Lily Runkles, Kale Runkles, Abel Runkles and Asher Harrison; mother-in-law Jan Lininger of Rock Port, MO; step mother-in-law Joyce Blasnitz of Iowa; sister Karen Throener (Dana) of Omaha, NE; sister-in-law Mary Runkles of Arvada, CO; other family and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Runkles and father-in-law Don Blasnitz.

Memorials may be given to the Bill Runkles Science Scholarship.

His family will have a service at a later date.

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