Donald G. “Pete” Runkle, 72, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Friday, May 6th, at Rosewood Nursing Home, North Manheim Township.
Born in Pottsville on November 2, 1943, he was a son of the late Robert & Helen (Warner) Runkle.
He was the husband of Janice D. (Honicker) Runkle. The couple was married 53 years.
Pete was a Schuylkill Haven High School graduate, Class of 1962, and was a member of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Schuylkill Haven.
He was formerly employed by Union Knitting Mills, Schuylkill Haven, for 35 years, and retired from Shalmet in 2011.
In addition to his parents, Pete is also preceded in death by his grandson, Joseph M. O’Neill, Jr.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters: Diane O’Neill & husband, Joseph, Pottsville, and Carol Campbell & husband, Thomas, Pine Grove, and a son,Donald F. “Bud” Runkle & wife, Melanie, Schuylkill Haven, grandchildren: Kelly Nunemacher, Kyle O’Neill & wife, Brianne, Cole Campbell, and Mckenna & Noah Runkle, and great-grandchildren: Keira & Sadie Nunemacher, as well as two sisters: Carol Blankenhorn & husband, Carl, Schuylkill Haven, and Jean Zemencik & husband, Monte, Schuylkill Haven, a brother, Robert Runkle & wife, Mary Beth, Texas, and nieces & nephews.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10th, with Rev. Ted Rathman officiating.
A viewing will be held Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Interment will be at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
At the family's request, memorial donations in Pete’s memory may be sent to Joseph M.O'Neill, Jr. Memorial Fund c/o Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, 216 S. Centre st, Pottsville 17901 or Grace EC Church, 15 Earl Stoyer Dr., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.