Mark G. Runkel
May 19, 1941 ~ March 24, 2024
Mark G. Runkel, 82, of Mooresville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 24, 2024. He was born in Arcadia, Wisconsin on May 19, 1941, to the late Allen and Vera (Waters) Runkel. Mark graduated from Arcadia High School before serving in the United States Army as part of the 101st Airborne from 1960-1966. Mark married Judy Richardville on November 9, 1963, and recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Mark began a career in Civil Engineering with HNTB in Chicago and moved to Indiana when HNTB opened a satellite office in downtown Indianapolis in the early 1970s. Over the next 45+ years, Mark continued his career in engineering at different firms including MSE, Woolpert Consultants, Schneider Engineering, and Banning Engineering. He retired while working as the Town Engineer in Monrovia.
Mark and Judy are lifelong members of St Thomas More Catholic Church in Mooresville. Mark was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and an active member of various town councils/chambers including Avon Chamber, Plainfield Chamber, Danville Chamber, and Rotary Clubs. Mark served as President of the Avon and Plainfield Chambers, as well as the Plainfield Community Foundation.
In his free time, Mark loved camping and fishing with his family. He was an avid golfer and took pride in hiking. He completed the southern half of the Appalachian trail (1,090.5 miles) and climbed to the summit of Longs Peak in Colorado with his son, Jim (14,259 feet). Mark hiked in Glacier National Park, the Smoky Mountains, including Mount LeConte, and many other national parks. He was a member of Bloomington Hiking Club for many years where he made several great friendships.
Mark loved people, and people loved Mark. He had an extraordinary sense of humor and always had a joke to tell. His wittiness will be missed by all.
In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his son, Jim; and sister, Joann Passaro.
Survivors include his loving wife, Judy Runkel; children, Mike (Amy) Runkel, Sandi (Harley) Clevenger; brothers, Richard (Phyllis) Runkel, William (Caron) Runkel; sisters, Mary (Nick) Nichols, Margaret (Bob) Brookover; daughter-in-law, Kelly Runkel; grandchildren, Corey, Kellie, Austin and Claire Runkel, and Natalie and Lauren Clevenger; as well as several other extended family members and friends.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Friday, April 12th, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Foxcliff South Clubhouse, 2085 Maple Turn Road, Martinsville, Indiana 46151. Memorial donations may be made in Mark’s honor to Miles for Myeloma (Miles for Myeloma c/o IU Foundation, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, Indiana 46207-7072). Please visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or sign the online guest registry.
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Judy, Sandi, n Mike may God comfort u n this time of sorrow –
Mark was a real trooper n gave it his all – I’ll always remember the many fun times r little group had but most of all he was my Orange Buddy – when r group would go out to eat he would order a Blue Moon Beer n they served it n a glass with a Orange Slice n he would always give it to me n if they were on vacation etc he would order one n would snd me a pic with the Orange Slce on the glass – r little group had many great times together n he will b sincerely missed by all of us.❤️🙏
I don’t know where to begin . . . I see Mark dancing to “Rainy Night” over and over again. I see him teaching and sharing his faith with our high school students in Faith Formation classes at St. Thomas More. I see the wonderful family that Ray, my first late husband, and I enjoyed at their home sharing a “pitch-in” with friends from St. Thomas More. I see the boys interacting with my daughter Susan and I see the family at Sandi’s Confirmation as I was her sponsor. Oh, so many good memories! The years have slipped away so quickly and my heart cries with you, Judy. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been there twice and if I can help in any way, I’ll be there to listen. My prayers for Mark, Judy, Mike, Sandi and all his loved ones.
Judy, so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Mark was an awesome human being and a great engineer. He kept our town dialed in on engineering issues. Even after he retired, he would always answer his phone and give me advice. I will miss him.
Our sincerest condolences to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you Grandpa!
Thank you all for your condolences and sharing your memories. We love to see them! ❤️
Innovative Engineering has purchased Eternal Friendship for Mark Runkel
. has purchased Sympathy Garden for Mark Runkel
When I was hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2011 Mark met me in Virginia and hiked a big section with me. He was a great hiker and although his health messed up his long term section hiking plans Im sure his footprints are still there.
Ed, Terry, Friends at HWC has purchased Sweet Memories for Mark Runkel
Mikie & Jonna has purchased Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees for Mark Runkel