Lee A. Runte

Lee A. Runte, 80, left for heaven on May 20, 2026. He was born on April 18, 1946 in Freeport, IL to Eugene and Gladys (Cram) Runte. He was the third of four brothers: Gerry (first), David (Second), and Carl (fourth). Lee’s parents, his three brothers, and other very dear family and friends have preceded him in death.

Lee was a very fortunate man. He had two very good women that called him their husband, and two exceptional daughters that called him their dad. There were also a few pretty special men that considered Lee to be their second Father.

He married Dianne L. (Kuhlemeyer)Runte a year after he graduated from Freeport High school (Class of 1964). They were married on Nov. 6, 1965. They had 2 daughters, Teri (Paul) Peacock, North Pekin, IL, and Tracey Runte, Janesville, WI. Dianne was waiting for Lee when he arrived in Heaven. She finished her battle with cancer on November 30th, 2012. They were married 47 years and had many fun adventures with family and friends…that is, when Dianne could get him away from the farm.

In 2015, Lee and Jolene Broege committed their lives to each other and they have happily lived on the Runte farm until his passing. They had more of the same, but different, adventures with family and friends. However, even this many years later Jolene would have trouble prying Lee away from the farm. It definitely was his happy place.

Lee didn’t have any biological grandchildren, but he was a “Grandpa” to many, including Jo’s Six Grandsons. Bryce and Blake, sons of Chad and Lisa Broege, Rockford, IL. Drake and Drew, sons of Chris and Stephanie Broege, Rockton, IL. Brody and Eli, sons of Dusty and Cali (Broege) Oberbroeckling, Winnebago, IL. Doug and Brandy (Runte) Quinn’s two children, McKinley and Callum, Freeport, IL, were also like Grandkids to Lee.

Lee was a hard working farmer and his blood bled John Deere green. Red wasn't allowed in the shed...except for his red truck!

His drink of choice was a cold Mountain Dew or maybe 3, for those long fieldwork days.

He was an inventor. If he needed something to do a task better on the farm, he would get to work in his shop and fabricate it. There should've been a few patents with his name on it. The neighbors on Baileyville Rd. were pretty thankful for some of those inventive pieces of equipment and Lee’s helping hand whenever he was needed.

Lee was a Freeport Rural Fireman from the time he was a teenager until he retired as a trustee a few years ago in 2023. Not too long ago he shared that he was driving the fire truck before he even had his driver’s license.

Lee was on the Silver Creek Township board for many years and served as Township Supervisor until he retired in 2021.

Lee was involved with the Stephenson Co. Fair for many years. He was Vice President in the 1980’s and continued as the Concessions Manager in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Many a car was pulled out of a muddy parking lot by a Runte tractor. There were also a lot of scoops of ice cream eaten by Lee and the crew that swept up the commercial building at the end of the night.

When the time came for a new work adventure Lee didn't stray far from what he knew best. He worked for Kampen farms and then Greenfield farms for many years. He also custom bailed large square hay and straw bales for many farmers in the very large “farm” neighborhood.

In the last few years after he "retired", one might catch a glimpse of Lee taking another retired farmer for a drive in his red truck. They would drive around on back roads looking at crops and visiting with neighbors along the way. There wasn’t a farm or road he wasn’t familiar with. If you were fortunate enough to go on an outing with him you would always learn something you didn’t know. For example, he knew where to buy the best cherry pie (his favorite!) on Montague Road.

This last year Lee got more rebel…oops, creative in his adventures. He was advised to quit driving his truck so he decided to take his 4440 John Deere Tractor to “the office” for breakfast with the guys, but mostly he would motor around in his John Deere gator. There were many

trips through the woods and down to Brandy and Doug’s farm…and the fire station…and “the office”… and into Farm and Fleet and maybe even to the John Deere store for parts. There wasn’t much that would keep Lee still for long… except for a good nap!

Lee was a man of faith. He believed that Jesus died for his sins and that he would meet him one day. His church affiliation was where his family was attending which in this last season has been Freeport First Free Methodist. His faith was lived out in his kindhearted caring for his family and friends.

Lee was a very good husband, father, neighbor and friend. Generosity was his middle name. What was his was yours to use...just put it back where you found it! He was one of a kind and he will be deeply missed.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Kahn, Dr. Bell, Dr. Diemer, the Hospice Team and Citadel St. Joseph Nurses and CNAs. You went the extra mile to care for Lee at every part of his medical journey. We really can’t thank you enough.