Richard B. Runke, prominent Merrill attorney and businessman in the early years of this century, was born in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin in 1877. His father, Henry Runke, Sr. (1852-1932), immigrated to the U.S. from Pommern, Germany and settled in Algoma, Wisconsin. He was instrumental in the development of agriculture in northeast Wisconsin and pioneered in the raising of alfalfa. In 1875 Henry Runke married Minnie Bruemmer. Richard was one of 16 children.
Unlike his father, Richard Runke did not choose farming as his principal occupation, although his hobbies included raising dairy cattle and keeping bees. After attending the University of Wisconsin, from which he received his A.B. degree in 1900, Runke served as principal of the Argyle (Wisconsin) High School from 1901 to 1903. Following study at the University of Michigan Law School and private law reading, he was admitted to the bar in 1903. Runke settled in Merrill and began his law practice in partnership with, successively, Thomas H. Ryan (until 1912) and Carl Naffz (1914-1918). Runke served as postmaster from 1913 to 1921, when he resigned due to his inability to devote sufficient time to his postal duties. Runke also owned and managed the Allen Insurance Agency, which specialized in land titles and real estate law, and was president of the Lincoln Farm and Timber Company. Among his many additional interests and organizations were the following: president, Merrill Library Board; member, Izaak Walton League; member, Board of Trustees, Presbyterian Church; and member, Rotary Club.
Described by one contemporary as a man of forceful character, Runke seemed to enjoy affluence and luxuries, although at times he seemed to be in financial difficulties. Eventually, Runke overextended his financial resources, and. despondent over money matters, he committed suicide on March 19, 1930, by exploding a stick of dynamite held in his hand. Runke was married to Anna (Nannie) Peacock in 1906. Their children were Glenn R., Richard P., Ruthjane, and Robert C.
