Dennis Lynn Runge passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024 at his residence. Funeral services are at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Congregational United Church Of Christ in Mitchell, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Monday, July 29, 2024 at Will Funeral Chapel. A time of sharing will begin at 6:30 PM. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Mitchell, SD

Dennis was born on November 18, 1951 in Mitchell, SD to Floyd and Gladys Runge. He has a twin brother, Dan, who lives in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They spent a lot of time together growing up, but went their separate ways in adulthood. Some of those memories include soap box derby races, raising pigeons, fishing for catfish, pheasant hunting and other hobbies that boys enjoy doing. They had an older brother, Bill, who joined them with the soap box derby races, etc. The boys also had two older sisters.

The family lived in Mitchell, SD but moved to Nebraska for a short while when Dennis was a small boy. They moved back to Mitchell where he attended school. He was married to Karen Adkins on January 28, 1981. They moved to Colorado where Dennis became a devoted Broncos fan. Their daughter, Beth, was born in Fort Collins where they lived for a few years before moving back to South Dakota. The family lived in Madison for awhile before their son, Jesse, was born. They later decided to make one more move and settled in Mitchell where Dennis lived until his death.

The family enjoyed going to Sturgis for the motorcycle rally whenever they could. After Karen and Dennis divorced, Dennis still tried to attend the rally and stayed with a good friend, Steve Fedderson.

Dennis stayed close with Jesse and Beth. They were the light of his life. He bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle and liked to go riding with his son, Jesse. Dennis also had a dog named Buddy who would ride along in a backpack. Buddy was a good pal for Dennis. Dennis called him his boy.

He had various jobs throughout his life. He helped his dad and Bill with carpet jobs on occasion, worked at a pickle plant and meat factory in Colorado, was employed with I-90 for many years and was a Shopko employee in his later years until his retirement in 2016.

Dennis was a kind and caring man and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Beth Runge, a nephew, Billy Runge, sister, Sharon Hollister, and a brother, Bill Runge.

Dennis is survived by a son, Jesse Runge, Mitchell, SD, daughter, Stephanie Wermers, Eagan, MN, twin brother, Dan (Marcia) Runge, Eureka Springs, AR, sister, Sue (Dick) Pibal, Pierre, SD, sister in-law, Helen Runge, Mitchell, SD, brother in-law, Dave Hollister, Bradenton, FL, as well as many nieces, nephews and his special pal, Buddy.

The family would like to thank Avera Mitchell Home Hospice for their exceptional care for Dennis. He couldn't say enough good things about them. They were always caring and took time to listen.