Wendy Jo Runestad

Wendy Jo Runestad of Greensburg PA, formerly of Mitchell SD passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday March 5th at her residence. Wendy was born in Mitchell SD to Myron and Donna (Davis) Runestad on January 10th, 1965. She attended Mitchell Public Schools and graduated from Mitchell Senior High in 1983. Following high school, Wendy attended Dakota Wesleyan University, also in Mitchell, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1989, and was a member of Pi Gamma Mu, the Social Science Honor Society and earned other academic achievement awards still proudly displayed. Her years at Wesleyan were cherished memories throughout the remainder of her life. Wendy’s greatest loves were her nieces and nephews, Nola, Blake, Lauren, Christopher and Ricky. They were her joy, as was her cat Oreo. She loved ‘checking in’ each day with her extended family both near and far. Our days will sadly be quieter without her and to all who answered her calls – thank you. Wendy was preceded in death by her parents Myron and Donna Runestad, her nephew Blake Runestad, and her grandparents. She will be missed by her brother Wade (Lois) Runestad of Camarillo, CA; her sister Tricia (Mark) Gaia of Greensburg PA; nieces and nephews Nola (Robert) Drescher, Lauren Goodwin, Chris and Ricky Gaia, great niece and nephews Fletcher, Wesley, Rowan, Hylan and Franklin. She also leaves behind very special family members Joni and JoAnn Davis of Sioux Falls, SD and many others. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Quality Living Home Care for the wonderful care and services provided to Wendy over the last few months, particularly care givers Glenda, Courtney and Katie. Thank you. The family will hold a joint celebration of life service in South Dakota for Wendy and her mother Donna at a date to be announced. Wendy will be inurned at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Storla SD. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made in Wendy’s name to the Epilepsy Foundation 1501 Reedsdale St. Pittsburgh PA 15233 or Action for Animals 386 PA-217 Latrobe PA 15650. Mason-Gelder Funeral Home, Inc. Jeannette is assisting the family with all arrangements. To leave online condolences visit www.mason-gelder.com.

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