John Runestad

John Runestad, 75, of Highmore, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Highmore Health in Highmore after a long battle with several serious illnesses.

Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore with Rev. Sara Kayser officiating. Visitation began at 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2018 followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore. Following the funeral, John will be cremated and scattered at the farm with his son, Justin.

John M. Runestad was born on July 18, 1942 to Norwegian immigrant John A. and Amelia (Hale) Runestad. John was the youngest of four siblings to grow up on the family ranch in South Hyde County. He attended country school near the family land from first through eighth grade, at which time he moved up to the “town school” in Highmore. John graduated from Highmore High School in 1960. Following high school, John intended to stay at home and take care of livestock, but his mother requested he attend college. John enrolled at Northern University slightly against his will, but was soon brought onto the football team as a lineman which almost made up for the fact he was at college rather than at home with his critters. He played two seasons with Northern and made some lifelong friends and had some memorable experiences, but then the call of the ranch became too strong and he gladly went home to tend to his sheep and cattle.

John would have told you that from the very first time he saw Sharon Lingscheit when they were kids at 4H Achievement Days, he was fascinated by her. Sharon lived in North Hyde, so the two didn’t get a chance to know each other until high school. John loved to tell the story of how he tried to become friends with Sharon at school, just to be rebuffed at every turn. His chance finally came when one night in 1964 Sharon and some friends were looking for a ride to a dance in Ree Heights and John had a car and nothing better to do. John and Sharon talked and danced all night that night and were married in Ree Heights on March 23, 1966. Always thinking of his ranch duties, John insisted they choose a wedding date that wouldn’t interfere with calving! To this union was born three children: Justin, Jason, and Darcy. John and Sharon spent 51 years working side by side on the ranch through good times and bad.  

John lived his life for his livestock and his land. He was always happiest on the prairie. He was dedicated to animal husbandry and responsible land management. John was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, shooting trap, and observing nature. He had a vast knowledge of all the native plants and animals that flourished on his land. In years that the markets were down John sold furs to make sure his kids had Christmas presents and helped feed his family with hams and turkeys won trap shooting. He was a devoted family man who looked at everything as an opportunity to teach his children about the world around them. He enjoyed reading, spending time with friends and neighbors, and raising some heck when he got a chance. His family and friends will miss having conversations over coffee with him and will miss the good-natured teasing that inevitably came with it.

He is survived by wife, Sharon Runestad; son, Jason Runestad; daughter, Darcy Runestad; sister, Alma Lucas; brother, Jay Runestad; and many nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Alvin; sister, Maxine Wilson; and his son Justin; in addition to many uncles and aunts and cousins.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with John’s arrangements.