Obituary for Grant Richard Runyard
Winnebago – Grant Richard Runyard, 81, lifelong resident of Winnebago, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born May 31, 1936 in Rockford the son of Ivan Moore and Olive “Ollie” Maxine (Kinnamon) Runyard. Runyard Street in Winnebago was named to honor the Runyard’s as one of the first families to settle in Winnebago. Graduated from Winnebago High School in 1954 where he played football, basketball, baseball, ran track and was the senior class president. He received a basketball scholarship from the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA. Grant married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Rosemary Virginia Pelley on December 31, 1955 at the Seward Congregational Church. Grant was a circulation manager for the Rockford Register Star and cost accountant for Illinois Water Treatment in Rockford until retiring. He enjoyed playing sports, fishing, hunting and bowling including a 300 game. He took great pleasure in attending his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting events and activities. He and Rosemary rarely missed a game. Grant was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.
Grant was extremely loved by his wife of over 62 years, Rosemary Runyard of Winnebago; three children, Debra (Brian) Richter of Winnebago, Brad (Karen) Runyard of Byron, Karen (Mark) Manalli of Byron; grandchildren, Michael Runyard, Brandon Dunnavan, Jessica (Jared) Brown, Brett (Rachel) Runyard, Kelli (Steve) Pope, Nicole Richter, Derek Richter, Jake Manalli, McKenna Manalli; numerous great-grandchildren; sister Lila (Charles) Behmer of Durand; several nephews and nieces.
Grant is predeceased by his parents.
A Celebration of Grant’s Life will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 6, 2018, at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago with Pastor Carroll Smith of the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago officiating. Interment at Winnebago Cemetery near Winnebago. Visitation 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
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Grant was extremely loved by his wife of over 62 years, Rosemary Runyard of Winnebago; three children, Debra (Brian) Richter of Winnebago, Brad (Karen) Runyard of Byron, Karen (Mark) Manalli of Byron; grandchildren, Michael Runyard, Brandon Dunnavan, Jessica (Jared) Brown, Brett (Rachel) Runyard, Kelli (Steve) Pope, Nicole Richter, Derek Richter, Jake Manalli, McKenna Manalli; numerous great-grandchildren; sister Lila (Charles) Behmer of Durand; several nephews and nieces.
Grant is predeceased by his parents.
A Celebration of Grant’s Life will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 6, 2018, at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago with Pastor Carroll Smith of the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago officiating. Interment at Winnebago Cemetery near Winnebago. Visitation 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
5
Apr
4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Genandt Funeral Home
602 N. Elida St.
Winnebago, IL 61088
Celebration of Life
Friday
6
Apr
10:00 AM
Genandt Funeral Home
602 N. Elida St.
Winnebago, IL 61088
Cemetery Details
Location
Winnebago Cemetery
Westfield Rd.
Winnebago, IL 61088
Memorial Contribution
In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.
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