Amy Runck, Winona: “I got into trouble with my older sister when I was 15. He (Rich) made me put snow tires on the car. It was a kind lesson. He was very practical. He judged people by their character.”

Jessica Lamkin, Metamora, Il.: “He always worked hard and never expected anything in return.”

Willis Runck, New Ulm: “I remember he and dad raising 200 turkeys. One time they got away. I don’t remember how they found them, but somehow they did.”

Dan Beranek, New Ulm: “He was always fun. He knew what was going on around town. I’ll never forget the time he had to get his haircut for a wedding.”

Darla Gebhard, New Ulm: “He was very smart and very creative in many ways. I worked with him many times on Turner Hall events and at the Brown County Museum. He brought in lots of fossils and stone tools he found near the river that we exhibited in the museum.”

Dr. Ann Vogel, New Ulm: “Wearing a stock cap, he was often getting supplies for Turner Hall when they needed them. He was a dear friend to all at Turner Hall. He’s a New Ulm historical treasure. He kept Turner Hall going in New Ulm.”