William John (Pete) Runkel, 59, of 702 Park Ave., was found dead in his home Sunday from a heart attack. He had been hospitalized for several weeks about a year ago after a severe heart attack.
Mr. Runkel had never married, and was living alone. He was a lifelong resident of Oconto, and was born here July 18, 1899, a son of the late John and Eva Runkel. His father was a pioneer Oconto jeweler.
After graduating from Oconto High School in 1917, Mr. Runkel enlisted in the Navy. He spent a year at Brest(?), France during World War I. After returning home he became associated with his father in the jewelry store.
Following his father's death in 1926, he continued the business until 1935, when he transferred the watch and clock repair work to the Ullsperger Drug Store, which he later managed until it was destroyed by fire. The last six years he was employed by the Oconto Brewing Co.
The body is at the MacQueen – Sheffield Funeral Home, where the Rosary will be recited at 8 o'clock this evening. The Rev. Robert J. Klein will conduct the final rites at 9 a.m. Tuesday in St. Joseph Church. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
The American Legion Post, of which he was a member, will hold military rites at the graveside.
A brother and a sister survive. They are Roland, of West Bend, and Mrs. George (Marie) Classon, Waupaca. Another brother, Weber, died Jan 12, 1956.