Michael Runkle

Michael James Runkle passed away at the age of 70 on March 27, 2025, with his two brothers by his side. Mike was born on January 21, 1955, at Fort Leonard Wood MO to Beverly and Homer Runkle. Michael attended schools in Louisiana, Missouri, and Montana. Michael graduated from Billings West High School in 1973. Upon graduation, Mike enrolled in the Naval Reserve and then attended the University of Idaho in Moscow. In 1974 Mike then was assigned to the USS Will Rogers, a Benjamin Franklin Class Ballistic Missile Submarine. In 1977 Mike was honorably discharged from the Navy; relocating to California and then to Tennessee where he worked as a truck driver. In 2007 Mike retired and moved back to Billings Montana to be near family. He enjoyed photography, building model WWII airplanes, reading and watching movies.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by brothers Timothy (Sue) and Robert (Nancy) and sister Theresa (Richard). Cremation has taken place and private family services are to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.