Ricki "Rick" Ray Runyan passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at Taylor House in Des Moines. A Celebration of Life will be held 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, August 17 at the Indianola Activity Center.

Rick was born at the Indianola Hospital in Indianola, Iowa on March 14,1951 to Bob and Millie Runyan. He lived his entire life in Indianola.

Rick went to Hawthorne Grade School and was very proud of those days and that school. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1969. He wrestled and played baseball while at IHS and worked at HyVee through his school years.

Rick and Jacci were married on May 9, 1970. They celebrated their 55th anniversary this year. When asked what their secret to so many years was, both would reply "neither one of us wanted the kids!" Three children were born to this union, Bryan, Jenna and Eric.

In 1970, Rick went to work at General Mills in Carlisle. When Jacci asked him what he did there he said "put the holes in Cheerios." He left there and went to McAninch Corporation for the next 38 years. He was a skilled heavy equipment mechanic and worked in the field most of that time but he called home every night at 7 to talk to the kids. He had to miss a lot of their activities but he tried to go to as many grandchildren's events that he could.

Rick played softball, sometimes on 2 different leagues. He was competitive by nature so he enjoyed playing until his arm went out every time he threw the ball. He and Jacci bought a camper in 2016 and found a group to camp with. Over the next 9 years they camped all over Iowa. Their favorite place was Shady Creek on the Mississippi River.

Rick was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma in September of 2024. He died at Taylor House Hospice on July 29, after being there a week.

Rick is survived by his wife, Jacci; children, Bryan (Erika) Runyan, Jenna (Michael) Dale, Eric Runyan; grandchildren, Megan (Blake) Tebbe, Damian (Betheny) Dale, Jaylyn Dale, Sierra Dale, Jackson Runyan, AJ Dale, Victoria Runyan, Elizabeth Runyan; great-grandchildren, Kyren Dale, Jensen Brittain; siblings, Randy (Michelle) Runyan, Kay (Dave) Morey, Jim (Cindy) Breuklander. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mildred Runyan; brother, Michael Runyan; parents-in-law, Hester and Gerald Breuklander; brother-in-law, Jerry and Jay Breuklander. Memorial contributions may be made in Rick's memory to Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines or Kiya Koda Humane Society.