Wallace E. Runge, who drove a school bus for Andover Public Schools after retiring from a 25-year career as an Andover Firefighter, died Monday at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. He was 83.
Runge was born June 30, 1939 in Reading to Wallace E. and Rachel L. (VanHorn) Runge. In addition to his work with Andover Fire and APS, he was a member of the Free Christian Church in Andover, where he worked as a superintendent after he retired.
Runge is survived by two daughters, Stephanie A. and her partner, Nasser, and Kirsta D., his grandchildren Andrew, Tyler and Thomasine “Siney”, his brother Eric and his wife Wendy, and several nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late Dustine L. and Kordel L. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thomasine E. (Brucato) Runge.
“He enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, watching his favorite TV shows and sports teams,” according to his death notice. “He loved the sound of the ocean and listening to jazz music. He will be dearly missed.”
A memorial service will be held Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Free Christian Church, 31 Elm Street, Andover. Interment will be held in the Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity f your choice in Wallace’s memory.