Michael James Runkle passed away at the age of 70 on March 27, 2025, with his two brothers by his side.  Mike was born on January 21, 1955, at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri to Beverly and Homer Runkle.  Michael attended schools in Louisiana, Missouri and Montana.  Michael graduated from Billings West High School in 1973.

Upon graduation, Mike enrolled in the Naval Reserve and then attended the University of Idaho in Moscow.  In 1974, Mike was assigned to the USS Will Rogers, a Benjamin Franklin Class Ballistic Missile Submarine.  In 1977, Mike was honorably discharged from the Navy.  Mike relocated to California and then to Tennessee where he worked as a truck driver.  In 2007, Mike retired and moved back to Billings, MT to be near family.  He enjoyed photography, building model WWII airplanes, reading and watching movies.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by brothers Timothy (Sue) and Robert (Nancy) and sister Theresa (Richard).  Cremation has taken place and private family services will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Hospital.