Obituary of David Ernest Runeborg

David Ernest Runeborg, age 61, has started on his adventure to one of the “universes” he envisioned. He passed away early on Sun, May 5, 2024 at home with his wife of 36 years, Marti, suddenly and easily. He was born in Minneapolis on July 8, 1962. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in South Minneapolis in 1980. He had additional education at Children’s Theater school, Brown Institute, and Metropolitan State. He held a variety of positions over the years as a School Bus driver, a Metro Mobility driver, a paraprofessional in Special Education for District 287, a sales professional, and a property manager for two storage companies. But everyone who knew him well knew he loved performing more than anything else. He participated in several local community theaters, especially Morris Park Players. He also performed professionally at Paul Bunyan Playhouse, History Theatre, Lyric Theatre and Park Square Theatre. And he enjoyed being part of the ‘Robin Hood’ show at MN Renaissance Festival, first as Friar Tuck and then as Little John, for 12+ years. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou, in 1986, his younger brother, Stevie, in 1986, his father, Ernest, in 1997 and his sister, Barb, in 2024. He is survived by his wife, Marti (Ladwig); his brother, Ron (Runeborg); and his sister, Nancy (Runeborg Robin); his brother-in-law, Mark (Ladwig); in addition to nephews, nieces and assorted aunts, uncles and cousins. David and Marti met in the fall of 1986 during the play “All About (Christmas) Eve” at Morris Park Players. And when the show was over, he asked if she was still interested in getting to know each other. (She was,) He asked Marti to marry him at the end of their first date on New Year’s Eve 1986. (She made him wait a year for her answer.) They were married July 9, 1988 and never looked back. Though they were unable to have children, they had a fulfilling life together filled with food, travel, friends, theater, hobbies (OK, casinos) and LOTS of laughter. They knew his prognosis meant their time together would end (much) sooner than they wanted. But they had time to talk, to reminisce, to even laugh together, and, ultimately, to say goodbye. Anyone who saw him perform knows he’ll be somewhere that has a stage and he will bring laughter and smiles to all who have the privilege of being in his “universe”. On Sunday, June 2, 2024, there will be Visitation at 1pm with a Service at 2pm to be held at Cremation Society of MN, Edina at 7110 France Ave South in Edina. Then there will be a “Gathering” in the Community Room at Oaks Lincoln Apartments 5200 Lincoln Drive, Edina, MN 55436 following the Service (around 3:30pm - whenever….you know theater folk). Even if you’re not able to attend the Service, please join us afterwards. [We request, instead of flowers, any memorials be made to Morris Park Players (MPP) ℅ P.O.Box 18695 Minneapolis, MN 55418 or a charitable organization of your choice. Thank you.]