Obituaries : Dr. Ted Eugene Runyan

Dr. Ted Eugene Runyan, 93, took his last breath at home on January 16, 2023. He was born in LaPorte City, Iowa, on April 16, 1929, to Louise and Raymond Runyan. He graduated from La Porte City High School in 1947. Ted lived a very full and interesting life. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Upper Iowa University in 1951 and began his professional life as a high school teacher and coach. He maintained a passion for education and sports throughout his life. He went on to earn advanced degrees, obtaining a M.A. from the University of Iowa and a PhD from Iowa State University. He spent most of his career in Britt, Iowa, initially as the junior-senior high school principal and then superintendent of schools of the Britt and West Hancock districts, until his retirement in 1995. Ted was ahead of the conservation curve, having carried out extensive energy conservation projects at the schools over several years starting in 1977. Ted first met Dorothy Hoodjer at a high school basketball game he was coaching. They were married in 1957. They saw much of the world, visiting all 50 states including some epic road trips to the west coast with their (semi-unruly) kids in tow. They also made multiple trips to Europe, Asia, Canada, and Mexico, often to visit their (semi-unruly) adult kids. Ted was a lifelong ambassador for the town of Britt and the state of Iowa and was highly active at the local and state levels. He held a number of leadership positions. He was elected to two terms to the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), where he served as chairman and was awarded the Lyle T. Quinn Award of Merit. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the IHSAA Board of Control. Ted also served as Britt Chamber of Commerce president, First Lutheran Church congregation president, and Lions Club president. Ted and Dorothy moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1999 to be closer to their kids. They loved being in Fort Collins and spending time with the many friends they made in their community. Soon after moving he joined the Miramont fitness club and wore out multiple pieces of equipment over many years of daily attendance. Ted was a Colorado State University supporter as well. He was given the Richard A. Larkin Memorial Award in 2017, for the volunteer work he did for CSU's track and field program. Ted was a loyal fan of Iowa Hawkeye and Iowa State Cyclone athletics. He enjoyed annual fishing trips in Minnesota with his brothers, sister and their families. He was a wily bridge and cribbage player and a big Saturday Night Live fan right to the end. But more than anything Ted loved spending time with friends and family. His three grandchildren were a real joy in his life. Ted was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Brad and Reece (Susie) Runyan, grandchildren Trent, Blake and Abbey Runyan and too many nieces and nephews to count, all of whom counted big-time to him. Celebrations of Ted's life will be held in the spring in Colorado and Iowa.