September 10, 1938 – September 13, 2026
Geraldyn “Geri” F. Running, 88, of South Saint Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in her home, exactly 70 years after crossing the threshold for the first time as a newlywed.
Born on September 10, 1938, to Gundla Berglund and Carl Johnson. Geri and her sister Joanne were raised with a strong appreciation for family, perseverance, kindness, and the simple pleasures of a life well lived. Those values guided her throughout the years and became the foundation of the loving home she created for her own family.
On September 13, 1956, Geri embarked on the most fruitful chapter of her life when she married Ralph Wayne (Red) Running. Together, Geri and Red shared a marriage filled with devotion, friendship, humor, and countless memories. They made their home in South Saint Paul, where they raised their children, Andrea, Jodi, and Scott. Geri took great pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family remained the center of her world.
Geri had a special gift for making people feel welcome. Her home was often a gathering place for holiday meals, birthdays, and Sunday visits, and if you couldn’t remember someone’s birthday, you could check her calendar. Geri loved whiling away the day quilting, reading, listening to her extensive CD collection, sharing a cup of coffee or a brandy with anyone that stopped by for a chat.
She also immensely enjoyed following the lives and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, who will remember, and miss dearly, her warm embrace, sharp wit, and the limitless love that she had for all of them.
Geri was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph “Red” Running; and her parents, Gundla Berglund and Carl Johnson.
She is survived by her children, Andrea Running, Jodi (John) Pawlenty, and Scott Running; her six grandsons, John Wayne Pawlenty (Terri Ahlberg), Chad Pawlenty (Amanda), Adam Pawlenty, Chase Pawlenty, Matthew Running, and Collin Running; her two great-grandsons, Davis Ahlberg and Reid Running; her sister, Joanne Doree; and many other loving family members and dear friends.
A visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service to follow beginning at 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
Geri’s life was defined by the love she gave so freely. Though she will be deeply missed, her family will carry forward her kindness, strength, traditions, and the many cherished memories she created.