Alfred D. Runner

Alfred Dale Runner, 84, of rural Laurel/ Gilman, passed away January 13, 2010, at Grandview Heights in Marshalltown where he had been a resident for a short time following an extended illness.Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 17th, 2010, at Laurel United Methodist Church with Pastor Marvin Siems officiating. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Laurel, immediately following the service with a luncheon for family members and friends at the church. Memorials may be directed to American Legion Laurel, Iowa. Visitation will be on Saturday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or mail to 2877 320th Street, Gilman, IA 50106. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Alfred and his family.Phone 641-844-1234.Alfred was born on June 20, 1925, at home. He was the second of three sons and one daughter born to Chester Dale and Marie (Louks) Runner. He graduated from Laurel High School in 1943. Shortly after graduation, on his 18th birthday, Alfred registered for the draft and was called to duty in December 1943 with the United States Navy. He served on two ships, USSLSM282 and USSLSM392 in the Pacific during World War II as a motor machinist mate 2nd Class. He was honorably discharged in 1946.Alfred returned home and farmed north of Ferguson. Later he moved to the Century family farm. He helped with family businesses for a number of years. As most farmers of his generation, it was not his occupation but who he was.On July 12, 1949, Alfred married Phyllis Marie Cook of Waterloo in a ceremony in Marshalltown, Iowa. In death, he leaves his wife, Phyllis; son Stephen Dale (Rhonda) Runner of Laurel/ Gilman; daughters Cynthia (Theodor) Heidt of PA, Sara (Scott) Miskimins of TX, and Mary (Peter) Glennon of IL; his eleven grandchildren; and his two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Donald (Bea) Runner of Gilman and sisters-in-law Evelyn Runner of Ferguson, Shirley Kaszyk of RI, Ann Cook of MO, and Doris Cook of OK.He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles Runner, and his sister Mary Sis Wilfong.