Deane James Running

Age 81 of Apple Valley, went to be with the Lord on November 4, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, Arlington & Thelma; and daughter-in-law, Cathy. Survived by his loving wife, Sue; his children: Kelly (Greg) DeBenedetto, David (Karen), and James; grandchildren: Alec (Emily), Elle, Luke (London), Claire (Rudy), Ryan, Katie (Ben), Lindsey, and Josh; great-granddaughter, Jane; siblings: Michael, Alan (Jan), Jeffrey (Carol), Robin (Craig) Dahl, LeeAnn (Don Burman), and Candi (Moe) Mikutowski; sisters-in-law, Carrie (Gene) Kurzweg and Connie Lark; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Deane was born to Thelma and Arlington Running. The oldest of 7 children. He grew up in South St. Paul. He loved playing sports. He excelled in baseball (catcher), bowling (high game 289), basketball, and was a MN Twins fan. He played the drums in band. He joined the Army right out of high school and served in Frankfurt Germany. After the service he married Linda and raised his 3 children, Kelly, Dave and Jim in Apple Valley.

Deane worked at West Publishing for 23 years. He joined the AV volunteer fire department in 1972. Deane was acting as the volunteer fire marshal and in 1988 he left his career at West and was hired as the full time fire marshal until he retired in 2006. His favorite part was fire education; teaching children and senior citizens to be safe. He was very involved in the fire department. Many family members loved to attend the 4th of July parade and watch the fireworks. They looked forward to the AVFD fall Booya event. Deane loved working those events.

In 1989 Deane married Sue. Their love story is evident to all who were around them. They were rarely found separated. Their love started as a friendship and only grew from there. Life was busy and full of blessings over the years. They bought a camper and explored their way around the country. So many precious memories came from those trips. He loved camping with family and friends. His family will always remember him teaching them his favorite long time camp song…  Patsy-Ori-Ori-Aye

They traveled and took cruises. They loved watching their family grow. They have 8 amazing grandchildren. And God recently blessed Deane with his first great grandchild, Jane. Deane and Sue loved making memories and traditions with their family, especially at Christmas time. These traditions and memories will be carried on through generations to honor his legacy. Although, it will be a tough act to follow.

Deane was a humble man with a gentle soul. He had a gracious heart and it was evident until the day he passed. He was a child of God; a man with a quiet faith. He had a love like a flaming fire which was so appropriate for him. Everyone felt his fierce and passionate love. Even Lewy Body Dementia couldn’t change Deane’s spirit. He graciously accepted all of the love and care that so many had to give him.

Deane will always be OUR HERO!

Visitation from 4-7pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, 14850 Garrett Ave., Apple Valley. Funeral at 11am on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Hosanna Church, 9600 163^rd Street West, Lakeville, with visitation one hour prior. Interment at Lebanon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Grace Hospice (https://www.gracecaring.org/support-us/) or the Lewy Body Dementia Foundation (https://www.lbda.org/donate/).