Darlene J. Runge-Wutzke

Darlene J. “Tag” Runge-Wutzke, 86, formerly of Stevensville, passed away, Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Country Manor Care Center in Bridgman.   A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Jonathan Kruschel officiating. Burial will follow at Lincoln Township Cemetery in Stevensville.  Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church-Stevensville or Caring Circle Hospice.  Those wishing to sign Darlene’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.    Darlene was born January 10, 1931 in Benton Harbor to Roy & Mina (Swisher) Engle. She graduated from Dowagiac High School, Class of 1949.  On July 14, 1956, she married Raymond L. Runge in St. Joseph.  Darlene devoted her life to caring for her family.  Following the death of Raymond, she met and married Henry Wutzke on October 12, 1991.  She helped Henry with work on the farm in Stevensville.  Darlene was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville.  She formerly belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.  Darlene enjoyed knitting and the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.    Darlene is survived by three sons-Richard (Gail) Runge of St. Joseph, Terry (Kathy) Runge of Watervliet, Ray (Tina) Runge of Noblesville, IN; her step-daughter Cheryl (Ed) Gallert of Stevensville; seven grandchildren-Amanda Runge, Zach Runge, Brennan Runge, Ryan (Jenna) Runge, Jordan (Reena) Runge, Joshua (Haylie) Runge, Jeremy (Brittany) Runge; two step-grandchildren-Brooke (Aaron) Zelmer, Alex (Megan) Gallert; two great-grandchildren-Lincoln Runge & Colton Runge; two step great-grandchildren-Zeke Zelmer & Tate Zelmer; and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband Raymond Runge, her second husband Henry Wutzke, her granddaughter Lindsey Marie Runge, her sister Carmen Barchett, her brother Jerry Engle, and her parents.