Jack L. Runion, 77, of Wheeler, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, February 16, 2026. He was born July 14, 1948, in LaPorte, Indiana. Raised in Wheeler, by Chester and Thelma (Krueger) Runion, he would maintain their loving homestead throughout his days. After graduating from Wheeler High School in 1966, he was drafted to the U.S. Army's 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He served his country bravely and boldly in the Vietnam War during 1968 & 1969 reaching the rank of Sergeant, serving under Col. George S. Patton IV. He was a Purple Heart recipient, earning several service medals. After his return, Jack became a father and fixture of the community. Threads of service would continue to weave through every season of his life. He was truly a "jack" of all trades. Cultivating the land, mastering carpentry, crafting staircases, driving a limo, fighting fires, saving lives, flying planes, and making the community stronger are a few things he will be remembered for. Jack fed hearts through his humor, minds through his mentorship, and bellies with his garden. You've never had a better watermelon than one Jack had grown.
He managed the Wheeler Farm Bureau Co-Op for many years while tending to his own land. He founded Runion Construction and if you have the eyes to see, you find his legacy across all of Northwest Indiana. The houses he built, projects he managed, fire service he supported all showcased his devotion to community and will leave an indelible mark on the region.
After surviving a plane crash in 2002, he found yet another way of supporting the fire service that would broaden his reach far beyond Northwest Indiana. "Slinging" fire trucks as a sales representative for Spencer Manufacturing would become his final professional endeavor, impacting fire departments across the United States.
Affectionately known as the "Mayor of Sedley" and a lifelong resident of Wheeler, Jack belonged to multiple community organizations including: Wheeler Methodist Church, Hobart VFW, American Legion, and Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association. A familiar face at the Porter County Airport, Jack previously served as the President of the Porter County Pilots Association.
On October 25, 2003, Jack and Laura Kathleen Mitchell were married as they would remain until his death. Jack is also survived by his children: John (Julie) Runion of Beverly Shores and Kristin (Kevin) Stumpe of Crown Point; brother, Ron Krueger of Texas; half-siblings: Jerry (Cindy) Gropp of Ohio, Vickie Shlundt of LaPorte; many nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Thelma; sister, Sheryl King; and stepson, Justin Sullivan.
Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso will host visitation on Friday, February 20th from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., with the IVFA conducting a service at 6:30 p.m. and the funeral service on Saturday, February 21st beginning at 11:00 a.m. A burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery with Rev. Dave Banning officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Union Township Volunteer Fire Department or Wheeler United Methodist Church.
GUESTBOOK
Dear John & Kristin, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I am one of Jack's cousin's, Barb Krueger McNeal. My husband & I moved from LaPorte, IN down to Johnson City, TN about 20 years ago. When we would come up to Indiana to visit my family, Donna & Ron would host a cousin reuion at their home and I would get to visit with Jack. Conversation would always turn to our kids and the both of you were the pride and joy of his life. He loved life and he loved his family. -Barbara & Rocky McNeal
Jack and I graduated from high school together. My husband, Randy and I would run into Jack over the years and he always had a smile on his face. The biggest surprise for Randy and Jack, was when they met at the Honor Flight reunion. What an honor it was for them to be given recognition for their service to this country. As for me, one of my memories of Jack, goes back to when we graduated. Jack, could not come to my open house until later that evening. Jack, was working in the fields that day. My dad said to Jack,, “Would you like a beer? If you work like a man, you can drink like a man!” He was the only classmate who was ever given a beer by my Dad. Jack was a great guy! He will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy, -Donna Kuehl
R.I.P. MY OLD FRIEND AND FIRE DEPT MENTOR. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU OR THE TALKS WE HAD AT STATION 1. YEP, I SURPRISED YOUR DAUGHTER TODAY AS YOU WISHED!! (I think it worked better than I thought) SAVE ME A SPOT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT! -1205 Mark Hanchar
