William L. “Bill” Runkles, age 74 of Nebraska City, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on June 23, 1947, in Auburn, Nebraska, the son of William H. and Dorothy J. (Sheckler) Runkles. He attended school at Peru Prep where he graduated high school and then attended Peru State College where he received a Bachelor of Education Degree. He later furthered his education at Northwest Missouri State University where he received his Masters in Science Education.

Bill began his teaching career in Rock Port, Missouri, where he met Teresa Marie Blasnitz. They were married in their one bedroom house on December 24, 1979. They moved to Nebraska City in 1980 where Bill taught Biology, Anatomy and Physiology at Nebraska City High School. After teaching, Bill worked for SpeeDee Delivery as a delivery driver.

Bill and Teresa’s first son, Joshua, was born in 1982 and their second son, Jacob, was born in 1992. They joined Bill’s first three children, Shelley, Amanda “Mandy” and Jase.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Runkles of Nebraska City; children, Shelley Harrison (Kyle) of Overland Park, Kansas, Mandy Runkles of Liberty, Missouri, Jase Runkles of Liberty, Josh Runkles (Sarah) of Cameron, North Carolina, and Jake Runkles (Danielle) of Omaha, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, Alexa Welcome, Ashlyn Welcome, Athen Welcome, Alec Welcome, Lily Runkles, Kale Runkles, Abel Runkles, and Asher Harrison; mother-in-law, Jan Lininger of Rock Port; stepmother-in-law, Joyce Blasnitz of Iowa; sister, Karen Throener (Dana) of Omaha; sister-in-law, Mary Runkles of Arvada, Colorado; and other family and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Runkles; and father-in-law, Don Blasnitz.

Memorials may be given to the Bill Runkles Science Scholarship. His family will have a service at a later date. Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com. Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City is in charge of arrangements.