Gerald Norman Runkle, 86 of Crooked Lake, Columbia City, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Gerald was born on May 7, 1938, in Montpelier, Indiana, to Nelson and Lena (Fitch) Runkle. Gerald was a 1956 graduate of Montpelier High School. Gerald was on the board of Directors at Anthis Career apprentice program in Fort Wayne. He was also on the board of directors at the Whitley County Historical Society. Gerald married Nancy Ann Duff on June 28, 1959, at Mt. Carmel Methodist Church in Eaton, Indiana. She preceded him in death on October 13, 2018.

Gerald started a Tool & Die Apprenticeship at Toolcraft Industries in Fort Wayne in 1957, finishing in 1961. Gerald was an employee at JB Tool & Die Engineering in Fort Wayne, from 1968 until his retirement in 2000, where he was the Plant Manager. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 170 Ft. Wayne, and the Scottish Rite Valley of Fort Wayne. Gerald was a member of the Columbia City Burger King Breakfast Club. He enjoyed living on Crooked Lake, north of Columbia City, working in his woods and spending time with his family
and friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy, and his son, Tony Runkle.

Loving survivors include his son, Kevin (Violet) Runkle of Columbia City, IN, daughter-in-law, Jamie Runkle, sister, Karen (Amos) Werling of Fort Wayne, IN, grandchildren, Evan Runkle, Leigh Ann Runkle, and Joshua (Amanda) Runkle great grandchildren, Jaxon, Lilly and Weslley.

Friends and family may gather to share and remember on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home located at 109 W. Windsor St. Montpelier, Indiana 47359, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm noon.

A Masonic funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm noon followed by a traditional funeral service with friend, Pastor Doug Lucker, officiating. Burial will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Montpelier, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Whitley County Historical Society 108
W. Jefferson St. Columbia City, IN 46725.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier, Indiana.