Butch Runstrom

GWINN, Mich. — Elwyn G. “Butch” Runstrom, 75, of Gwinn, entered eternal life Sunday evening, Aug. 18, 2013, at his home, in the presence of his loving family and under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Butch was born on March 16, 1938, in Ironwood, a son of the late Carl Ludwig and Alphild (Coleman) Runstrom. He was a graduate of Luther L. Wright High School in 1956 and then entered the Air Force for 20 years, where he was also a Vietnam veteran.

While in the Air Force, Butch was an instrument technician serving at 12 different bases, eventually retiring from the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. He then worked for the city of Marquette at Lakeview Arena for 21 years in various positions, retiring as manager in 1997.

Butch was an active member of Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, where he served as a trustee, was a member and past commander of Gwinn VFW Post 5670, and member of the All State Commander Team. He was a former member of the Michigan Veteran’s Trust Fund and the Marquette Area Chamber of Commerce Military Committee.

Butch is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, the former Louise Hockenbrock, whom he married on June 13, 1959, in Hurley, Wis .; three children, Carl (Amy) Runstrom, of Gwinn, Christine Runstrom, of Silver Springs, Md., and Timothy (Tammy) Runstrom, of Gwinn; three grandchildren, Raven, Nora and Max Runstrom; and several cousins including a special cousin, John Heidemann, of Ishpeming.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Aug. 23, at Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ishpeming at 11 a.m. EDT, with the Rev. Micah Hjermstad officiating.

Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service.

Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.

Members of Gwinn VFW Post 5670 will serve as escorts and provide military honors at the church.

The Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.