DC Lions name Runnells Citizens of the Year

of Dodge Center have been named the Citizens of the Year by the town’s Lions Club, and both said they were shocked by the honor.

“It was a surprise to us,” said Wayne. “I was never expecting that.”

Both Wayne and Marie have been Dodge Center residents for decades, with Wayne moving to town when he was in seventh grade and Marie moving in 10^th grade.

“I just think Dodge Center is a good little town,” Wayne said, with Marie adding, “We like the small town. It was nice to have the kids go to school here.”

The “kids” she references are now all adults. Wayne and Marie have four children; daughter Kristy Heller, son Christopher Runnells, daughter Jennifer Stark, and daughter Tina Kasper. The couple has seven grandkids ranging in age from 11 to 19.

They’ve been honored as Citizens of the Year primarily because of all the blood, sweat, and tears they’ve devoted to the American Legion. Most recently, the couple has overseen the repaving of the parking lot and residing of the entire building. They’ve also helped fundraise for other improvements, including redoing the floor in the hall, replacing the bar top, and getting new tables and chairs.
Marie has even served as a bartender when the Legion was short-staffed.

When they started their Legion efforts, the facility was on the verge of closing.

“I didn’t want to see the Legion close,” Wayne said. “They’re on really stable ground now though. And when I retired I needed something to do.”

Wayne and Marie used to own the Hardware Hank in Dodge Center, but several years ago sold the business to their son Christopher. They still help out at the store but are otherwise retired, and enjoy seeing their grandkids and traveling.

“They organize many activities at the American Legion,” wrote Fran Klouse in her letter nominating Wayne and Marie for Citizens of the Year.

The couple was honored on June 27, with their family in attendance.

“We really put our heart and soul into it,” Wayne said of the Legion.

Cutline:Submitted Photo

Wayne and Marie Runnells were honored recently by the Dodge Center Lions Club as the city’s “Citizens of the Year.”Submitted Photo

Wayne and Marie Runnells and their family.