Eldon MacRunnels

Eldon L. MacRunnels, age 75, of Staples, passed away early Saturday morning, January 26, 2008, at the Lakewood Health System at Staples. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at the Church of Christ in Staples with Pastor Barry Klein officiating. Interment will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. Friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 PM Mon., Jan. 28, 2008 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Staples and for one hour prior to services at the Church on Tuesday.
Now the time has come for me to say my final goodbyes to all my family and friends. I was born the ninth and last child of Ben and Della MacRunnels on November 15, 1932, at Renville, MN. We moved to Sacred Heart, MN where I started school in a little country schoolhouse. In 1938, we moved to a small farm 13 miles north of Staples, where I continued my schooling until I finished 5th grade. We then moved into town where I graduated from Staples High School in 1952 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific aboard several ships during the Korean Conflict. Upon my discharge in 1956 I remained in California and obtained work with a large electric generating facility, Pacific Gas and Electric, which produced electricity for most of San Francisco, CA. After 31 years with the same company I retired in 1987. In 1990, I decided to return hometo Staples, purchasing a home here, to enjoy my retirement doing my favorite hobbies; fishing, gardening, wood crafts, and recently, playing golf.

I am leaving behind my son and daughter, Bruce MacRunnels and Shelley Hom both in California; two stepsons, William Block in Arizona and Steven Block in California; and three precious granddaughters in California. Also, nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to mention, and last but certainly not least, my very, very dear friend of fifty plus years, and significant other Mary Ann Van Hecke of Staples.

My parents; five brothers; and three sisters have all passed on and are waiting to greet men in our new home. So, wishing you all well, and goodbye, until we meet again in a much better place!!!