Earl Lincoln Running, 83, of Eau Claire died Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Dove Healthcare. He had been cared for at home the last few weeks by his wife Dorothy and his five children. He was born in Eau Claire on February 12, 1926, the son of Earl and Ella (Vogler) Running.\r\nHe graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School with the class of 1944.\r\nEarl and Dorothy L. Johnson were married in Caryville, town of Rock Creek, WI, on April 3, 1944.\r\nHe was stationed in Pearl Harbor with the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving from February 9, 1944 to January 20, 1946.\r\nEarl was a member of First Lutheran Church and the North American Bluebird Society. He was a founding member of the Eau Claire Flying Eagles Ski Club and Royal Credit Union. He was inducted into the Eau Claire Ski Club Hall of Fame in 1997. \r\nEarl achieved his boyhood dream of having his own farm which he and Dorothy purchased in 1965 in the Town of Wheaton. He raised beef cattle, and at various times horses, pigs, sheep and chickens.\r\nHe was a painter and handyman for his children and friends. He enjoyed traveling, skiing, swimming, fishing, hunting, and monitoring his 15 bluebird houses. Earl loved singing and sang in church choirs for 54 years.\r\nEarl is survived by his wife, Dorothy of 65 years; his five children, Sandra Running of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Richard (Ranae) Running of Eau Claire, Karen (Bryan) Van Loo of Eau Claire, Laurie (Kenneth) Klemm of Goodland, KS, and Kristen Running of Daniel,WY; nine grandchildren, Robert and Ryan Running, Julia and Jason Van Loo, Austin, Emily, Jessica, Levi, and Colter Klemm; nine great grandchildren; sister, Eileen Griese of Eau Claire; several nieces and nephews; and many life long friends.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2009, at First Lutheran Church, Eau Claire with Pastor Scott Miller officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire where American Legion Post #53 will conduct military graveside honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at the church.\r\nIn lieu of flowers, his family requests memorials be directed to Eau Claire Flying Eagles Ski Club, 2809 E. Hamilton Ave., #226, Eau Claire, WI 54701.\r\n

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