James "Jim" C. Runnebaum

James "Jim" Clement Runnebaum, 67, of Axtell, Kan., died January 10, 2019 at his home. Visitation is Monday, January 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home. A rosary service  was 7:00 p.m., Monday, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Axtell. A funeral service was 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 15 at St. Michael's Catholic Church.  Father Jim Shaughnessy officiated. The musicians were Kathy Buessing and Cheryl Reinecke.  Music included "Our God Is Here", "One Love Released", "Parable", "Prayer of St. Francis", "On Eagles Wings" and "Daddy's Hands". The pallbearers were Dave Koch, Tom O’Neil, Barry Buessing, Joe Strathman, Dave Strathman and Bob McKinley. Burial was in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Jim was born October 22, 1951 at Axtell, to Bernard and Mary Louise (Lake) Runnebaum.  In 1969, he graduated from Marysville High School. On August 20, 1979, he married Debra Bergen at Las Vegas.  They were blessed with two daughters, Renee’ and Rachel and one granddaughter, Taylor. Jim was a lifelong farmer and stockman, a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and a board member of CASA. In 2016 he retired to spend more time with family and friends and finally relax as much as he would ever allow himself to.  Jim enjoyed hosting blue rock shoots & playing cards with family and friends, going to the casino & camping because of his love for Deb, & hunting & fishing with his brothers & nephews.  He valued his larger than life family most of all which also included twenty-six foster children. Jim loved to help others.  He was always there to lend a helping hand whether he was asked or not and never expected anything in return.  His commitment & generosity to community, faith, and family was never ending. He was preceded in death by his wife, Debra on May 22, 2018; parents; brother, Eugene; and infant siblings, Paul Gerard and Ronnie Lee. Survivors include his daughters, Renee (Shannon) Gibson, Marysville, and Rachel Runnebaum, Axtell; one grandchild, Taylor Gibson, White City, Kan.; siblings, Bernie (Cathie) Runnebaum, Ralph (Judy) Runnebaum, Larry (Geri) Runnebaum, Judy (Bob) Ballman, John (Amy) Runnebaum, Lynn (Kim) Runnebaum, Lou (Jim) Wassenberg, Janet Runnebaum, Joan (Shane) Hartner, Mark Runnebaum, and Greg (Linda) Runnebaum; and sister-in-law, Lori Runnebaum. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" C. Runnebaum, please visit our flower store.