Marvin Runge, 93, Dickinson, died Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Miller Pointe, Mandan. Marvin’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 pm. to 6 p.m. with a rosary and time of sharing at 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson.
The Life of an Ordinary Extraordinary Man
“Here I go again writing to you although you seem to have forgotten me… tell me something, Darling, how could you treat me this way and hurt me so very much if you really love me? I have received no letters from you for two days…
Celeste, February 1, 1948
“Darling, we tried to get to town today… Uncle Ed and I attempted to shovel our way to the main road. It’s seven miles and we could only get six miles done before we had to stop; we were both so very tired. Darling, although another blizzard is supposed to hit, I think we may try again tomorrow to get to the Post Office…
Marvin, February 2, 1948
Marvin Herman Runge was hopelessly lost in love with Ms. Maria Celestina Pereira of Georgetown, British Guiana, South America. Theirs was a love affair that spanned a world war, two continents and almost seven decades. To say that they were madly infatuated with each other would be an understatement of the greatest folly. Soul mates from the moment they met, they forever remained so. Marvin passed over to be with the love of his life Celeste on Thursday, September 10, 2020.
Their lives together blossomed out of the free world’s fight of good over evil during World War II. His service with the American Army; hers, with the British Expeditionary Forces. Though from different worlds, their love proved to be a natural fit.
Marvin was an automotive mechanic with several dealerships in Dickinson and later, became a self-taught upholsterer, running his own business with his partner and CFO, Celeste. Park Avenue Upholstery served the local area for nearly sixty years. Together they raised six sons and two daughters while living on Park Avenue in Dickinson. Their main mission was to ensure the proper education of their eight children. 17 college degrees among the siblings provided testament to their success.
Marvin and Celeste are survived by their children, Gregory (Mary Ellen) Runge of Bismarck, Damian Runge of Phoenix, AZ, Marlon (Nina) Runge of Camano Island, WA, Christianne (Thomas) Runge of Washington, DC, Desi Delzell of Ajijic, Mexico, Lucien (Barbara) Runge of Costa Mesa, CA, Etienne (Louise) Runge of Costa Mesa, CA, and Michael (Debra) Runge of Bismarck. Their grandchildren include Christopher Runge, Lindsey Gonzalez Prada (Augusto), Samantha Carlson (Drew), Cory Runge (Sydney), Jessica Mattos (Kevin), Jake Dahlke (Hannah), Sydney Dahlke, Michelle Hoyle (Chris), Alex Runge, Madison Wanner (Zach), Nickolas Runge (Charlene), and Lexie Hagen. Marvin and Celeste’s great-grandchildren include Violet, McKinley, Elijah and Rory; and his brother Lawrence (Bonnie) Runge, Denver, CO. The Runge home was always open to friends, family and anyone who needed a place to stay.
Marvin was an avid aeronautics fan, which was manifested in his love for radio-controlled aircraft. As their children grew up and more free time became available, week-nights and weekends would find him at the airfield southeast of town flying his favorite aircraft. He also turned his shop into his hobby of woodworking and his work is on display in his children’s homes. Marvin had many friends to aid him as he grew older. His son, Michael was instrumental in providing aid on an almost daily basis due to his medical background. His closest friends included Roger and Pearl Roll, his wonderful next door neighbors as well as Ron Bachmeier, who proved to be a trusted and resolute aid-de-camp.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
