Obituary of Charles Ralph Runge

Our family is sad to announce the passing of Charles Ralph Runge on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, in Regina, SK at the age of 85 years. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Myrna (nee Obrigewitsch); children/grandchildren: Candace Runge (Scot Beaumont), Courtney Janotta (Cole Bentz), Jared Janotta (Amanda Ntiamoah); great-grand-daughter Jraya, Jackson Beaumont (Mikha Aguilar); Chuck Runge (Tina Zelinski), Taryn Runge (Idriss Ferrat) and Tyana Runge;  Susan Runge-McKeen (Duane McKeen), James and Nicholas Runge; Brian Runge (Mark Jaegli), Tyrone Elek. He was predeceased by his parents Catherine (nee Wolbaum) and Ralph Runge; mother-in-law Katherine (nee Berger) and father-in-law Roy Obrigewitsch; and sisters-in-law Vivian Runge and Bernice Bast.

Charlie was born on the family homestead  in Odessa, SK on January 3, 1938. It was a hard, difficult life on the farm growing up. He met Myrna Obrigewitsch in 1957 and they were married on April 18, 1959. They lived in Regina mostly over the years with shorter stays at Watrous, the farm near Davin, Odessa, Balgonie, then back to Regina. He supported his family with multiple jobs, farming for short periods near Watrous and Davin, Saskatchewan. Charlie enjoyed having his horses over the years and Candace and Chuck joined him, competing in gymkhana events. Equally his Ford vehicles were his pride in keeping them in top shape. He played baseball in his youth and later played on a team with Chuck and Susan. Card playing and visiting with friends, competitive pinochle games with Brian, Mark and James, curling with Mom and James, and working in his shop out back with Chuck; filled his spare time when he wasn’t working.

Charlie was the best accordion player of his generation and loved playing with his band the Royales. He had picked up his first accordion when he was 6 years old. Myrna, Chuck and Wayne played many years together with him at polka fests, community dances, weddings, anniversaries and weekly gigs at local clubs in the area. He loved dancing so much; you could hear his stomping on the dance floor from the other side of the room. In later years, losing his finger in an accident did not stop him as he made an extension for it so he could keep enjoying the music he loved; playing with other bands and on his own at senior homes.

Charlie worked hard all his life in construction specializing in sheet metal application, air conditioning and gas fitting. He got along famously with his employers. He eventually owned his own business, Custom Heating & Ventilation, until he retired at the age of 60. Charlie was very devoted to his work and took pride in everything he did and accomplished.

Charlie loved to build things. He could fix anything and make something out of any scraps to reinvent its use. And there was a hook on the wall for every tool he owned. Charlie had lists for everything and they were everywhere... We are still finding them.

In his retirement he found more time to enjoy playing his accordion and take in his grandchildren’s sport events, accomplishments, and birthdays. He was very proud of James, Nicholas, Courtney, Jared, Taryn, Jackson and Tyana. He was looking forward to seeing his new great-grand-daughter Jraya who was born in July 2023, but settled with the photos and videos that Jared and Amanda sent him.

Charlie lived with various mental health disorders most of his life, especially severe depression. Sadly, he did not accept any help or treatment which might have improved his well-being and life.

Complying with his last wishes, there was no public funeral. The family gathered for a private service and memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations to any Cancer or Mental Health program of your choice may be made.