Lewis J. Runge

Lewis J. Runge, 86, of Pawcatuck, CT died on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 in New London surrounded by his two oldest daughters, Jeanette and Jennifer. He was the beloved husband of the late Janna L. Runge for more than 40 years, who passed in 2007.
Born in Pasadena, CA on July 16, 1935 to the late Howard L. Case of Dayton, OH and Carolyn Logan (Young) Case, of Philadelphia, PA. His mother passed six short weeks after his birth and he was raised by his grandfather Lewis O. Runge and his maternal grandmother, Clara Elizabeth (Glaes) Runge. With their dedication to raising him Lewis decided to change his last name to reflect the tremendous sacrifice they made to help him to be a strong faithful man.
He was a mechanic by trade and a wood craftsman by hobby. He always managed to find a way to build something impressive with wood. Although very humble his friends and family still decided to coin the phrase that something has been “Rungied” as a definition of something that would last for decades.
He dedicated more than 55 years into the ministry. He and his wife, Janna, were both ordained through L.I.F.E. Bible College and received his doctorate degree from Christian International. He was still Pastoring upon his death.
He always was a strong shoulder to cry on and a firm defender of the Faith. He will be sorely missed by his daughter, Jeanette Ayala and her husband Gilbert of Corpus Christi, Texas, Jennifer Smart and her late husband, John of Pawcatuck, CT, and Julienne Eccleston. He is missed by his grandchildren Kevin and Tara Cortez of Austin, TX and Christopher Edwards of Odessa, TX, Elizabeth and Madeline Eccleston, along with three great-grandboys, Adrian, Matthew and Phoenix.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 17 from 11-Noon and services will be held at noon at Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly. Graveside services will follow at Union Cemetery, Route 49, North Stonington. Rev. Wesley Frazier of Grace Chapel Church of God in Pawcatuck will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evangel Temple Full Gospel Church, 11 Cleveland St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379.
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com