Doris E. Runningen

Doris Runningen, 100, of La Crescent passed away on Wednesday December 27, 2023 at SpringBrook Village of La Crescent.

She was born June 20, 1923, to Urban and Olga (Harlos) Schild in Mound Prairie, Houston County, MN.

She married Milo J. Runningen on September 7, 1944.  Doris and Milo were part of ‘the greatest generation’.  Milo served in the South Pacific in the U.S. Army during WW II.  During his absence, their daughter was born and Doris worried whether her child would have a father.  Fortunately, he did return from service, physically unhurt, and their daughter Pat turned out to be their only child.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband Milo who died November 12, 1997.  Also preceded by her sisters Harriet (Glen) Runningen, and Verna (Lester) Beckman, and brothers Ralph (Corrine) Schild and Lyle (Illa) Schild, and brother-in-law Frank Otto.  She is survived by her sister Bernice (Frank) Otto of La Crescent.

Doris had one daughter Patricia (L. Kenneth) Senn, two grandsons, Michael (Diane) Senn and Kevin (Katie) Senn, great-granddaughter Cara (Jake), great-grandsons Spencer, Kyle, and Kaden, and many nieces and nephews.   Her first great grandchild, Cara, held an extra special place in her heart.

Doris and Milo farmed on several farms in Houston County in their early marriage.  Later they worked together with the Runningen Realty & Auction Service.  She was a skillful seamstress and loved to crochet.  Remarkable as it may seem, she actually enjoyed spring and fall house cleaning.  She somewhat reluctantly accepted a dishwasher later in her life.  She was a member of the Valley High Ladies Day golf club for many years.  She was a member of the South Ridge and La Crescent United Methodist Churches.  She was always so pleased when people thought she looked so much younger than her years.  She loved her pizza, and pickles, and spent many hours working on puzzles.  Almost every Saturday Pat, Ken, and her sister Bernice went to her apartment, played cards, and had pizza.  A special thank you to all those that came to visit Doris while she lived at SpringBrook.  And thank you to the staff at SpringBrook who cared for her, including the food service personnel – she never complained about the food!

Milo and Doris celebrated their 50th anniversary with a wonderful celebration at the La Crescent American Legion in September of 1994.  She had a wonderful celebration of life for her 100th birthday party with most of her nephews and nieces in attendance along with other close family members and friends.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, a private family graveside service will be held. A celebration of Doris' life will be announced at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to La Crescent United Methodist Church and SpringBrook Village of La Crescent.