Barbara Ann (Pihaly) Runck (83) of New Ulm and Winona, MN passed away on August 23rd in Rochester, with her family at her side. Barb was born in St. Paul and graduated in 1959 from Our Lady of Peace High School. She received an Associates of Arts from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelors of Elementary Education from St. Cloud Teachers College. She taught at St. Paul and New Ulm area schools as an elementary and special education teacher.

Barb raised five daughters and worked full-time, while being active in the community.

She volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader, CCD instructor, Meals on Wheels driver, Eucharistic Minister, church picnic volunteer, and she offered her time in many other roles that supported the community. As an avid reader, she shared her love of books with her daughters and allowed them to stay up well past their bedtime to finish a good book, provided their homework was completed and they woke up on time to catch the school bus. As a skilled yarn artist, her favorite being crochet, Barb always had a project or three in progress, all of which she shared with family, friends, and those in need.

Barb’s calm nature often concealed the challenges she faced in life. With the recent passing of her husband of 56 years and her health conditions, she responded to life-changing events with quiet strength. While adapting to her life in Winona, she made new friends and broadened her interests. It was common to find Barb tapping her toes to the Winona Municipal Band’s evening concerts, socializing with newly made friends and staff at the Benedictine Living Community, and experiencing the sights and sounds of the Winona area with her daughters, grandchildren, sister, and brother-in-law.

Barb is survived by daughters AnnaMarie, Amy (Noah Anderson), Lisa (Mike Wieczorek), Sarah (Michael Henricks), and Jessica (Scott Lamkin), two grandsons (Nathaniel and Brendan); sister, Elaine (David Borsheim); and three-legged cat, “Kitty.”

Barb was preceded in death by her husband Richard P. Runck, parents Bernadette (Hanowski) and John L. Pihaly, and brother, John Michael Pihaly.

Barb was a special lady who touched many lives. People who were fortunate enough to know her will greatly miss her wicked sense of humor, gentle demeanor, and generous spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Brown County Humane Society or charity of your choice.

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