Harry Rynning

Edgerton / Wisconsin Rapids - Former Edgerton resident Harry C. Rynning, age 94, of Wisconsin Rapids, died peacefully on August 17th in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Harry was born August 1st, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois to Harry E. and Esther (Knudsen) Rynning. He grew up in Chicago. Harry served in the Navy from 1943-1945. After his service, he met and married Elda Hougan of Stoughton, WI. The two raised seven children in Edgerton, WI.

He worked at the Edgerton post office for 32 years, where he became the Post-master from 1970 until his retirement in 1984. Throughout his career, he was a member of the Rotary club and was very active in the Postmaster Association.

Harry found his love of music at a young age attending the Chicago Methodist Church where his mother was the church organist. He was a member of the Methodist Church in Edgerton and Surprise AZ. Singing and humming old Meth-odist hymns and the music of his era gave him a great sense of joy.

Harry loved the game of baseball. The game was in his DNA from the pickup games in the streets of Chicago as a kid to taking his bride (Elda) on their hon-eymoon to Wrigley Field. He coached little league, pony league and the Stough-ton home talent league. Harry was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs. After 90+ years of cheering for his beloved team, they did it! The Cub's World Series victory in 2016 was a dream come true for Harry.

After retiring, Harry wintered in Arizona for 30 years. He loved his home in Sun City Grand, where he met many great friends through the years. He was an avid golfer in both Wisconsin and Arizona, golfing in league and for enjoyment with friends and family.

Harry had an enduring love of travel. He enjoyed visiting numerous National Parks on his way to and from Arizona, visiting New Orleans, traveling to Postal conventions, and visiting his ancestral homeland of Norway with family.

His family was a joy to him. He loved spending his birthday week in Hayward, WI at the annual family reunion. His infectious laugh and caring nature will be dearly missed. Harry is survived by his dear companion Dorothy Mietus of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; children Ronald Rynning of Edgerton, WI, Kathryn (Dave) Anderson of Edina, MN, Juanita (Dan) Bortz of Portage, WI, Paul Rynning of Hayward, WI, and Carol (Emma Roberts) Rynning of Gulfport, MS; grandchildren Kristine (Dennis) Murray of Las Vegas, NV, Erin Rynning of Las Vegas, NV, James (Colleen) Anderson of Edina, MN, Leslie (David) Grimm of Wau-nakee, WI, Sarah Sandeen of Sun Prairie, WI, Chad Bortz of Portage, WI, Tim Anderson of Minneapolis, MN, Amy (Joshua Ostmann) Bortz of Portage, WI and Andrew Rynning of Milton, WI; great grandchildren Annika Murray, Kaitlyn Mur-ray, Megan Murray, Cooper Anderson, Jeremiah Ostmann, Miles Anderson, Fin-ley Grimm, and Mariah Ostmann.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry E. and Esther (Knudsen) Rynning, wife Elda (Hougan), and sons Jim Rynning and David Rynning.
The Family would like to express their thanks to Dorothy Mietus for the wonderful help and care given to Dad through the years along with the support of her fami-ly.

Cancer impacted Harry, his wife Elda, and his friends in many ways. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org).

Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday August 26, 2017 at Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect St., Stoughton. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of services. Family and friends are invited to meal following the service. A private committal service will take place at Cooksville Cemetery.