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Passing of Dick Rundle

10/22/2015, 1:45pm CDT
By WFCA

Dear Coaches,

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our Executive Director Emeritus, Dick Rundle.  Under Dick's leadership, the WFCA became one of the most respected Coaches Associations in the Nation.  Through his tireless efforts, the WFCA Clinic became the largest Football only clinic in the Country.  Dick was extremely proud of the WFCA quarterly publication he developed, the Point After II.  Most important was Dick's passion for the sport of Football in Wisconsin and the Coaches who taught it.  He made every decision based on what was best for the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association.  We have lost a great man and for many of us a dear friend. 

Funeral arrangements are below in Dick's obituary.

Dan Brunner
Executive Director

Dick Rundle Obituary and Funeral Information

MONONA - Richard "Dick" Rundle, age 80, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015. He was born on Nov. 29, 1934, in Dodgeville, the son of Stansmore and Mabel (Reese) Rundle. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Conley, on Aug. 4, 1955, in Dodgeville.

Dick was a graduate of Dodgeville High School, receiving a letter in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was captain and MVP in all sports and was selected to the Shrine football game in 1952. Dick received a degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and received graduate credits from UW-Madison, UW-Whitewater and Azusa-Pacific, Calif.

Coach Rundle signed a professional baseball contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1954, and coached semi-pro football and baseball teams. He coached football at Monona Grove High School from 1956-1989; he was head coach from 1962-89, and had an overall record of 165-50-3; 15 conference champions and two state championships; four undefeated seasons; state golf championship in 1987; one of only a couple of coaches in Wisconsin athletic history to win state championships in more than one sport. Coach Rundle had one of the highest winning percentages in the United States, losing only 30 football games in 25 years. During that period of 25 years his teams never finished below 1st or 2nd place.

Coach Rundle's honors include: Madison Area Sportsman, 1978; 1984 United Press Coach of the Year; Regional Coach of the Year seven times; Madison Newspaper Coach of the Year two times; Wisconsin High School Coach of the Year, 1985; Head Coach Shrine Team, 1985; Madison Area Sportsman 1985; WFCA Victors and Service Awards. Coach Rundle was inducted into the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003, the Luther College Hall of Fame in 1977, and the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991.

Coach Rundle also serves on the National High School Coaches Association Board of Directors. Coach Rundle was Monona Educator of the Year, 1975; received the Monona Grove Board of Education Commendation, 1977; City of Monona Award for Civic lnvolvement, 1984; Commendation from Governor Shreiber, 1977; Commendation from Governor Thompson, 1990. Coach Rundle was a WFCA District Rep for six years, Board of Director for eight years and Executive Director from 1990 to present. Current WFCA duties include: Executive Director, WFCA; Super Raffle (18 years); Chairman, Reebok testing combine; Chairman of WFCA/Badger Football Classic at Camp Randall (48 high schools play per year at Camp Randall): developed the WFCA/Healy Rebate Program; assists in the All-State banquet; newsletter editor of The Point After II (now in 27 states); Director and Chairman of spring football clinic; Chairman of Hall of Fame banquet; Chairman of Hall of Fame facility; liaison to UW athletic department; Shrine/WFCA All-Star game; developed WFCA corporate sponsorship program; direct printing of all WFCA publications and mailing; assists Alex Hilber with WFCA awards program; produces WFCA Summer Football Manual; accepted executive secretary duties in December, 1998; bookkeeper for raffle, combine and classics.

Dick is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marjorie; daughters, Anne Christensen of Madison, Lori Thompson of Evansville, and Jan Binder of Sycamore, Ill.; son, Mark (Laurie) Rundle of Monona; six grandchildren, Mary Binder, Nick Christensen, Kate Binder, Kali Thompson, Angela Thompson and Rachael Thompson; brothers, Jim (Judy) Rundle of Washington, D.C., and Bruce (Nikki) Rundle of Dodgeville; sister-in-law, Elaine Rundle of Dodgeville; and numerous other relatives and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry Rundle; sister, DeeAnn (Hank) Van Epps; special aunt, Maxine Boylen; son-in-law, Jim Binder; and numerous other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. Entombment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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