HELGI STEPHEN RUNOLFSON

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HELGI STEPHEN RUNOLFSON Peacefully on June 14, 2006 at the Lundar Personal Care Home, Steve Runolfson, aged 88 years of Lundar, MB. Trooper Steve Runolfson, Canadian Armoured Corps, was born at Lundar, MB on January 27, 1918. He attended school in Lundar until his father's untimely death. Steve worked for various farmers in the Lundar area. He joined the Army on September 23, 1941 and proceeded overseas on April 8, 1942 where he served in Germany, Belgium, Holland, and participated at Juno Beach. After the war, Trooper Steve worked for CN Telegraph for a year. On June 30 1947 he married Ethel Jonasson. Steve and Ethel owned a very successful dairy farm in the Lundar area, retiring in 1974. Steve was a member of Lundar Legion No. 185 and served as Sergeant-at-Arms for many years. He was always willing to help the Legion remain successful. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Ethel; two sons, Jim (Irene) of Lundar and Les (Marjorie) of Lundar; four grandsons, Jeffrey (and friend Audrey), Gregory, Allen and Ian (Becky); one great-grandchild Logan; one brother Pall (Verna) of Kelowna, BC; brother-in-law Dennis McMechan of Winnipeg, also many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Sigurbjorn and Maria; brothers, Barney, Alex; and sister Josie. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the Lundar Legion Hall with Pastor Bill Watson officiating. Interment to follow in the Otto Cemetery. Special thanks to the nurses and staff at the Lundar Personal Care Home and Dr. Neil Burnett for their special care. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lundar Personal Care Home Guild in care of Kelly Granberg, Box 296, Lundar, MB, R0C 1Y0. His citation follows: Trooper Runolfson was the driver of a special assault tank which was launched off the Beach at Grayesur Mer. The tank drowned and the crew took shelter on the rear deck while the enemy brought down heavy mortar and machine gun fire. The crew commander was wounded and washed overboard. Tpr. Runolfson, without regard for his own safety, went after the crew commander and tried to save him, but was unsuccessful due to the rough sea. After two hours in the water he was able to get ashore. He then picked up a German rifle with ammunition, and although suffering from the effects of immersion, fought his way forward with the leading elements of the infantry until he was able to rejoin his unit. Whilst under fire, Tpr. Runolfson showed a spirit of self-sacrifice and determination of the highest order. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME LTD. Ashern - Lundar (204) 768-2072

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 17, 2006