Pearl Marie Runte

October 26, 1913 - February 04, 2010

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Pearl Marie Runte, passed away at age 94 on Thursday, February 4th 2010 in Everett, Washington.

Pearl was born October 26th 1915 in Illinois to Katie and John Gahm She grew up on the family farm located on the Pearl City Road and she attended Pearl City schools. She graduated from Rockford Beauty School. In 1936 she married Kenneth Henry Runte.

She worked at Freeport Beauty Shop, Illinois, for seven years in the 1950’s. In her later years she enjoyed meeting mothers and taking care of children in the nursery at the YWCA in Freeport.

During the Chicago Bull glory years, she was a huge fan and watched all their games. Since her Freeport grandchildren were Dallas Cowboy fans, she also watched their games. She was a fan of all Aquin school sports, as her six Freeport grandchildren all participated. When each one graduated, she presented them with a scrapbook with all their athletic clippings.

Over the years friends of her daughter have been surprised to receive mementos of their junior high and senior high school years that Pearl had saved.

Pearl could be seen walking all over Freeport with her collie dog Heidi. When her grandchildren were small, she enjoyed walking with them to Krape Park. At senior housing in Everett, WA, people were amazed to see her walking her cat Sassy on a leash.

Her home on Broadway was surrounded by beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees. At Everett senior housing she planted and took care of all the flowers. She was always sharing flowers and plants with others.

She loved Freeport and her country and was passionate and well-read about politics. Receiving and reading her Journal Standard was something she looked forward to every day.

Pearl was predeceased by her husband Kenneth; three brothers, Merle, LaVern, and Ivan Gahm; and one sister, Myrna Radean. She is survived by two children, Colleen (Paul) Casler of Everett, WA, and Larry (Kathleen) Runte of Freeport, IL. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Michelle (Bob) Michael of Bothell, WA, Curtis Casler of Everett, WA, Valerie Casler of Seattle, WA, Patrick (Alivia) Runte of Madison, WI, Nolan (Bobbi) Runte of Freeport, IL, Matt (Eileen) Runte of Loves Park, IL, Anne(Jeff) Hiveley of Freeport, IL, Maia (Jaimie) Pinnow of Madison, WI, and Ryan Runte of Freeport, IL. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made in her honor to a charity of your choice.
Pearl’s family invites relatives and friends to extend condolences or to share a memory at www. asacredmoment.com.