Tony Runkle, 63, of Rochester passed away at 2:20 PM on Sunday, February 18. 2024 at his residence.

On March 20, 1960, Anthony Lee was born in Fort Wayne to Gerald N. and Nancy Duff Runkle. Proudly, Tony graduated with the Class of 1978 from Columbia City High School. He continued his education at Ball State University earning a degree in marketing. He was a member of the TKE fraternity. After college, Tony moved to Valparaiso, where he met the love of his life.

Tony and Jamie Lynn Hodurek were married on November 12, 1983 in Valparaiso. They have shared 40 years of life's adventures. From their union came a daughter, Leigh Anne, and two sons, Joshua and Evan. Another generation has been added to the family tree with the blessing of three grandchildren.

With a strong work ethic, Tony worked for 28 years at Nickles Bakery. He then worked at Rochester Iron and Metal until recently. He was a member of the Rochester Church of God and the Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary.

Tony was an avid outdoorsman who spent most of his time at his 20-acre property processing firewood and scrap metal.  This property is also where he brought down the locally famous airport buck. Tony was "member of the year" at the local fitness center where he worked out every day before heading to work. Some of his other hobbies included ice fishing, mushroom hunting, arrowhead hunting, coin collecting, and the occasional trips to the casino.

Left to cherish the memories of Tony are his wife, Jamie; daughter Leigh Anne Runkle; two sons: Joshua (Amanda) Runkle, and Evan Runkle all of Rochester; three grandchildren: Jaxon Kenneth Runkle, Lillian Mae Gerald, Wesley James Gerald; father, Gerald N. Runkle; and a brother Kevin (Violet) Runkle, all of Columbia City.

Preceding Tony in death was his mother.

A celebration of the life of Anthony Lee Runkle will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 22, 2024 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Larry Pyeatt will officiate.  Friends may visit with the family from 11–1 on Thursday in the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN  46975.