Leo was born April 12, 1936, in Waverly, Iowa, to Ernest and Esther Runge, of Spring Fountain, Iowa. He graduated from Marshalltown High School and attended Marshalltown Junior College and DeVry Technical Institute.

Leo was an electrician apprentice in Marshalltown for Quinlan Electric before beginning his lifelong career at WOI-TV in Ames, Iowa. He retired as the Chief Engineer of WOI. After retiring, he went to work in biomedical communications in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University.

Leo is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty; sister, Ruth Runge-Barnes, of Salida, CO; son, Brian (Jill) Runge, of Houston, TX; daughter Gail (Rob) White, of Ames; four grandchildren: Joel (Amanda) Runge, Lacy White (Jerry Weuve), Aaron (Nalani) Runge and Caleb (Megan) Runge; and 10 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, but in proper German Lutheran fashion, Leo’s wishes include friends and family raising a beer in his honor to celebrate his entrance into heaven.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Court at Green Hills and Suncrest Hospice for their compassionate care. Leo and Betty have requested that memorials be given to Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada, Iowa. Condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com.