Justin “Ray” Runice, age 94, of Hayward, WI passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at his home. 

Justin Raymond Runice was born April 2, 1925 in Soldiers Grove, WI the son of Martin and Mabel (Rein) Runice.  He attended school in Viroqua, WI and then joined the U.S. Army on May 30, 1944 and served during World War II.  While in the service Ray earned the WWII Victory Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation for Company K 143 Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Combat Infantry Badge, and the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars.  Ray was also a recipient of the Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal from the French government; this was an award created by Napoleon Bonaparte and it is the highest honor that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France.  Ray was honorably discharged and then returned to Soldiers Grove, WI where he began a restaurant called Ray’s Café.  Ray was joined in marriage to Rosemary Turnmire on March 12, 1947 in Soldiers Grove.  He sold the restaurant and then started working as a dairy farmer before working with the U.S. Postal Service in Beloit, WI.  He spent 25 years with the postal office and while working there he and Rosemary purchased Boulder Lodge Resort on Ghost Lake near Hayward, WI.  In the summer, Ray worked all week at the post office in Beloit and then would spend his weekends at the resort.  He retired from the post office in 1985 and continued to work at the resort until 1998.  Ray enjoyed reading, researching, writing and being with his family.  Some of Ray’s research focused on helping families of his former fellow soldiers who had died in the war.  Ray was a member of American Legion Post #220 in Soldiers Grove.  He will be remembered as a very patriotic, hardworking, caring and honest person. 

Ray is survived by his son, Doug (Lynne) Runice of Hudson, WI, daughter, Linda Briggs of Hayward, WI; nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosemary; son, David Lee Runice; four brothers, Orvin, Melvin, Arnold and Martin.            

A memorial service celebrating Ray’s life will be held at noon on Thursday, August 8th, at the Spider Lake Church with Pastor Gary Hilgendorf officiating.  A time of gathering with family and friends will be held from 11:00 a.m. until noon at the church.   Military honors will be accorded by the Wisconsin Military Funeral Honors Program.  Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601

Last Update: Aug 08, 2019 1:48 pm CDT