Emmett J. "Smokey" Runde

Galena, Illinois

Emmett J. “Smokey” Runde, 97, of Galena, Illinois, formerly of Cuba City, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in the presence of his family at the Midwest Medical Center Nursing Home in Galena. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hazel Green, Wisconsin, with Rev. Peter Auer officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, Wisconsin, where there will be a Parish Scripture Wake Service at 3:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Smokey was born on July 27, 1926, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of Martin and Mary (Cullen) Runde. He was united in marriage to Doris Leibfried on June 28, 1952, in Tennyson, Wisconsin, and they were happily married for 55 years. Doris preceded him in death in 2007. He married Doris Vondran in 2011 and resided in Galena, Illinois.

Smokey graduated from Cuba City High School in 1944 and farmed until his retirement. He enjoyed playing cards, dancing and spending time with family and friends. He was a devout Catholic who regularly attended Sunday Mass.

Smokey is survived by his wife, Doris of Galena; sons, Jack (Carol) and Bob (Julie) of Belmont, Ed (Pam) and Kevin (Nicki) of Cuba City, Gary (Anne) of Portland, OR, Fred (Kristy) and Don (Stephanie) of Mount Horeb, and Louis (Heidi) of Janesville; daughters, Lynn (John Keating) of Stoughton, Patti (Tim) O’Hearn and Carol (Ron) Sam of McFarland; 34 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Also, a sister, Mert Blankenheim; sister-in-law, Shirley Runde; brother-in-law, Ed Kruser; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Doris; granddaughter, Hannah Runde; brothers, Jim, Rev. Ray, and Gene; sister, Del Budden; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local food pantry.

A special thanks to Midwest Medical Center Assisted Living and Nursing Home and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and care.