Rock City, Emerson W. Runte, 97 of Freeport, formerly of Rock City, passed away Saturday morning Aug. 18, 2012 at Provena St. Joseph Center, Freeport.
He was born Jan. 3, 1915 at Freeport, IL., the son of William E. and Edith P. (Schauer) Runte. On Mar. 30, 1941 he married Marian L. Mench at Davis, IL.
She preceded him in death on Dec. 20, 1988.
He was a 1932 graduate of Freeport High School.
Emerson retired in 1976 from Amoco Oil Company, Rock City as a bulk station agent after 35 years with the Company.
He was a member of the Davis Calvary United Methodist Church. Over 50 year member of the Eastern Star Masonic Lodge of Davis, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rites of Freeport and also the Durand American Legion Post. Emerson was a WW2 Army Veteran, serving from May 14, 1944 until June 22, 1946, including 19 months in the Eastern Theater of Operations in Europe.
He enjoyed playing cards and going out to eat with friends.
Survivors include a niece, Betty Conder of Freeport; a Great niece, Jodie (Gary) Pieper of Davis; a Great nephew Joe (Becky) Conder of Delevan, WI. Also, two great-great nieces and two great-great nephews.
He was preceded by his Parents and Wife, Marian.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday Aug. 21, 2012 in the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home at Dakota,, Rev. James Ketzel will officiate. Burial will be at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport.
Visitation will be one hour prior to time of service at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home.
A memorial fund is being established in his name.
Emerson's relatives invite friends to extend condolences, share a memory, or light a candle in his honor at http:www.daughenbaughfh.com.