Robin Francis Rung, age 54, of Great Falls and recently of East Helena, passed away June 5, 2014 in Helena.
Rob was born August 28, 1959 in Helena, MT to John Francis and Elaine Louise (Beaupré) Rung at the old St. John’s Hospital. He went to school in Helena and was very active in the Forensics and Debate Club in High School and earned numerous certificates and achievements.
Rob worked for the Dept. of Administration, Water Quality Consulting, Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Dept. of Environmental Quality and Cascade County Aging Services. He then moved to East Helena to be closer to his family until his death.
Rob was an avid follower of the University of Montana Grizzlies. He loved bowling and swimming and he was President and Member of Big Sky Public Procurement Association.
Rob is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elaine Rung; and his brother-in-law, Linden J. Bishop. He is survived by his sisters, Diana M. Bishop and Cherie L. Keil; niece, Katie L. Keil; nephew, Brandon J. Bishop; step-niece, Amber J. Bishop; and step-nephew, Ashley L. S. Bishop.
A Vigil Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Ave. A Funeral Mass is set for 12:10 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Community Church with a reception to follow the Mass at the church. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery after the reception. Memorials in Rob’s name are suggested to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Robin.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Sunday June 22, 2014
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday June 23, 2014
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Monday June 23, 2014
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the reception
Monday June 23, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Sunday June 22, 2014
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday June 23, 2014
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Monday June 23, 2014
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the reception
Monday June 23, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sue Rose (Dukes) says
Words cannot express the feelings racing through my mind or heart. We spent many hours just talking, remembering, crying ,praying. Selfishly i wish he was still here on this plane with all of us. But I know that my friend is in a place of peace, happiness and no pain. I know that he knows how much that i loved him as i told him so. And how much i will miss and cherish him. To his family i send you hugs and warm thoughts. I know that his passing is such a loss, he often spoke of his love for his family. God keep and bless you. Lord he is in your hands now, he’s home smiling down on us all. Love you, your Suzie Doozie
Naomi Fleury says
I am so sad that I did not get to Helena in time to say goodbye to you Rob! I am really thankful for the friendship that we had! Thanks for the amazing trip to Denver, Colorado! You were an amazing person and will be missed! To his sisters, I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that will God will comfort you through this difficult time! He really was an amazing person. God Bless!
Sandi 'Coyle' Benson says
I will cherish all the wonderful memories we shared together whether laughing, crying or just being quiet next to each other. No one will have a laugh like you and the memory of it puts a smile upon my face. I know you are in God’s gentle hands and resting peacefully. Love you forever my friend!!
Bob and Peg Williams says
So incredibly sorry to hear about Robin. Our hearts and prayers go out
to Cherie and Diana. God bless and keep you all.
Pam Arroues says
Robs laughter and evil little grin will long be in my heart. He was devoted to those he loved (even the New Orleans Saints) and spoke of his sisters and niece often. He will be greatly missed as my life is so much better for knowing him.
Karen Dimmitt says
So sad to read about Rob. He loved his family so much. We shared a space in time that will always remain precious to me. He was kind and thoughtful
To his friends. He was inclusive to strangersas well. Always sharing a story, a meal, a joke, a sorrow, a fear and always with hope. Rest in peace dear friend.
Dewey Goering says
Thoughts and prayers out to Rob’s family. Cherie, let us know if there is anything we can do.
God Bless
Jan Fontaine says
Rob,
You were my good friend – I will miss you a lot. Thanks for all the travels down Montana’s back road. Be in Peace friend!
Marla Rogers says
To Rob’s family I want to say my deepest sadness and sorrow of hearing Rob’s death. May God bless and keep you all in his hands during this time. Rob will be missed and truly is in a beter safer place. God bless and keep him now and always.
Jim Keil says
Having known Rob since he was in high school (when I was impressed enough to think that he could someday be President of the United States), I must say that he did well for himself. He was a good person and will be missed. Sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye.
Pam Brown says
Rob’s Family ~
Our deepest sympathy and Prayers to you all. Rob was such a wonderful and caring person. Many many fond memories of him will always be with us.
May Rob rest in peace and you forever cherish the memories and legacy he has left behind.
May God Bless,
Sandi Crocker & Pam Brown
Helena, MT
Bob Meyers says
Deepest Sympathy to all the family and friends of Rob Rung from all of us at the Great Falls Senior Citizens Center and the Cascade Council Aging Services Council.
Carol Buerman says
Sincere sympathy to you and all of Rob’s friends. A sad time for a life too short. Rob was a good man with a sincere heart. I trust his spirit is at peace and he is in the loving arms of God. Blessings for all.
Patrick McGonigal says
Rob’s loved ones:
Although I was not involved in Robins life after junior high, I can tell you growing up, he was a good friend to me and my sister also knew Rob’s sisters. We had many great times together up in the old neighborhood. He will be always remembered by me as a great friend. Our journey on this earth is short, tell the people who are close to you that you love them, yes, our journey is short.
Peace to all.
Mary McGonigal Duede says
Dear Cherie and Diana,
My sincerest deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother. May God wrap his loving arms around you all at this most difficult time.
Brian LaMoure says
I worked with Rob and knew him to be a “can do guy”. It was a pleasure to know him.
Shanna Bulik-Chism says
I was so fortunate to know Rob as a co-worker and friend. He was an amazing man with a caring smile and warm personality. I will miss chatting with him, laughing and enjoying a meal. May he rest in peace and look upon us all with his love. My sincerest sympathy to his family.
Carrie Greeley says
Dear Cherie and Diana and family,
So sorry to hear about Robin’s passing. He was a good man with a caring heart. I’ll always remember his laugh and the smirk that always accompanied it. He always talked about his family fondly and I know you meant a lot to him. May the good memories you had with him keep you through this difficult time. God bless.
marjorie feback says
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF ROB RUNG. HE WAS OUR DIRECTOR AND REALLY ENJOYED HIM COMING OUT TO OUR SUN RIVER VALLEY SENIOR CENTER AND GREATLY WILL BE MISSED. GOD BLESS YOU
Carolyn DeMartino says
Dear Cherie, Katie, and family,
Words can not express how sad and sorry I am that Robin is not with us on this earth. I will always remember the fun times we shared, his cute nicknames for me, and how his laughter lit up my life and the lives of all around him. I missed him terribly when he moved to Great Falls. I know he cared deeply for his family and his friends. I am so grateful I got to see Rob and tell him how much he meant to me before he passed. Truly, the Lord has brought another wonderful soul into his kingdom.
Tee McAlpine says
Dearest Cherie, Katie and Diana,
I am so sorry about Robin. We have shared so much the past several years and I will miss our “chats”. There are so many memories that will always bring a smile to my face. The white buffalo’s that Rob bought for my office are a daily reminder of his sense of humor and good times that we shared. Please know that my prayers are with all of you and he will be greatly missed. Dear Katie, I am so glad that Bo is with you. Rob chose the right person to care for him. Tee
Cindy Lee says
I am so saddened by this news. I pray for Gods Perfect peace for all concerned.
Frank Clinch says
Rob became a true and close friend when our respective speech teams from the two Helena high schools travelled to competitions together. Bright and insightful, humorous and intelligent, with a smile and laugh that brightened any day, it was impossible not to love Rob and be thankful his path crossed yours. After having lost track for many years, Rob reached out and renewed that friendship, and proved his best qualities had endured. I am shocked at his death, and regret the sorrow it brings his family and friends. I believe God has prepared a place for the soul of this sweet man, and that He will also prepare that happy place for all who knew and loved Rob.
Julie DalSoglio says
Sometimes you meet someone who you immediately connect with. I had the joy and honor to have met Rob through his work at Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Though our friendship was through work, Rob brought me laughter and support and made me feel special. Even though I have not seen Rob for awhile, he will always hold a special and warm place in my heart.
My deep sorrow and sincere sympathy to Rob’s remaining family.
Vanessa Redmond says
I had the joy of knowing Rob for only a few short years, but when I think of him I think of his contagious laugh and that smirky smile. He was such a wonderful person and I am blessed to have known him. I am so sad that I didn’t get back to MT to say goodbye. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, whom he always talked so fondly of.
Dave Feldman says
Rob was a patient teacher and colleague. He always had time to help. All of the other messages capture his laugh, and warmth as a person. I miss him telling me about the history of Helena, and Montana. I am so sorry for your loss.
Shelley Juvan says
I knew and worked with Rob at Fish, Wildlife & Parks. I don’t think I have ever known a person with such an easy laugh and always made the really bad situations seem not so bad after all. The two of us were known as “Ma & Pa Kettle” as we drove the “our special” van to meetings, laughing all the way there and back. Rob was a loving, giving and wonderful man that loved his friends and family unconditionally. Although I have not spoken to Rob recently, I will miss him and treasure the friendship we shared. Rob, I am sending my angels to your family to help them through this difficult time and reminding them of the memories and stories that will be told time after time.
Pete Schade says
I’ll always remember the levity Rob imparted to all of our ‘very serious’ issues. In that, he contributed to everyone’s success at the DEQ. He helped all of us to do our jobs better , and with a little less seriousness. Without Rob, I’d still be cursing the sky.
Mark Bostrom says
Be at peace my friend. Your memory is in my heart and I carry your light every day.
Lisa Peterson says
I never had the opportunity to know Rob very well but I did work with him on a couple of projects at DEQ. You really couldn’t help but like him. He was funny, witty, a bit mischevious, and a genuinely nice man. I’m so sorry for your – and our – loss.
Verna Hunter says
I know his death leaves
Avoid in your life,
But he will always be
Present in your heart
And in memories
With love and sympathy.
Verna Hunter
Lynn Erpenbach Morrison says
It is clear that Rob stayed true to the person he was and how he was seen as a classmate in High School. Kind and caring. An amazing way to live and be remembered. My thoughts go out to his family.
Judy Elletson says
Deepest sympathies to Rob’s family. He was always such a spark when he was Purchasing Agent with FWP and we sure enjoyed his visits to the Glasgow and Havre offices.
George Mathieus says
While we mourn the loss of Rob, we were all better to have known him. His attitude should serve as a lesson to others. Rest in peace my friend, and my thoughts go out to your family.
Donna Campbell says
I can’t believe my friend and co-worker is gone. He was here way too short of a time. Rob worked for me as the purchasing officer at FWP and was one of the most ambitious trust-worthy people I have ever known. He made problems seem easy and was always willing to go the extra mile. Even though I have not been in touch with Rob in recent years he will always hold a warm place in my heart. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Vince Justice says
Robin was a classmate of 77, one of those kind hearted people that everyone liked, he will be missed . How Robin treated others was exemplary to everyone who ever had the privilege to meet him. I am very sad to hear of his passing and our prayers are with his family at this time.
Brian McDonald says
Rob, you were a mentor and a friend. I would not be where I am today without your guidance and support. I am so thankful I got the opportunity to know you. To the Rung Family: Rob was a good man and will be missed by many. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Dave Snuggs says
I cannot begin to tell you what Rob did to help sooo many in need. In 2012 I met with him at Cascade County Aging Services and shared an idea how we could help our Neighbors in Need. It was a unique idea and I remember Rob sitting there smiling at me waiting to ask “What can I do to help?” We talked in detail about launching the project and partnering with RSVP. Rob not only gave me his blessing but he became an advocate for the project by telling his friends, co-workers as well as other offices across Montana. He was driven to make this work…. And he did! Without Rob’s passion and dedication to those in need, I would never have been able to launch My Neighbor in Need. Thank you my friend for seeing beyond the trees! YOU ROCK!!!
Steve Kirschner says
One thing I will always remember about Robin, he was always proud to tell me where he came from. The stories he could tell, made me smile. I will always carry them with me just like an old 45 that I have.
*****Copy & Paste this link to your browser and listen*****
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=y7PaEtEMnew
Bob and Cheri' says
Dear family,
Robin will be missed dearly.
He was always the life and inspiration in our family.
Our love, thought and prayers are with you all.
One day we will see and again be with him in heaven.
Our love, Bob and Cheri’
Sarah Carlson and Family says
Rest in Peace, Rob; you will be missed.
Our sympathies to his family during this sad time.
David Martin says
Rob was a true friend to Montana’s Conservation Districts (CDs) by helping them navigate the difficult world of contracting. Sometimes it is hard to balance representing a state agency and serving local people. He did so with grace and a high level of professialism. He was often paid the highest compliment by CDs, “Even though he works for DEQ, you can trust him.” You often called them your districts. They felt the same way about you. I know you will pass that great audit in the sky. Rest in peace.
Ruthie Hill says
To Rob’s family my thoughts and Prayers are with you.
I can never thank Rob enough for all that he did to help the Senior Companion Program in Great Falls. It was my pleasure working with you. Thank you for caring so much.
marlene Longfellow says
Robin You have been on my mind, but didn’t know you were ill, we had so many good times together at Helena High Bengal games, we had a good chat the last time you called. I know you are in good hands. I will miss you very much. Sorry I can’t make it to Helena from Oregon for you services. Love you.
Julie Stewart says
To Rob’s sisters – I met Rob about 6 or 7 years ago. The first thing that I liked about him was of course his sense of humor. Then as I got to know him I realized what a special person he was – he talked about how much he loved and missed your mother and was always talking about his sisters. We shared the same love of music from the 70s and I will never forget one night he called me and said “listen to this” and played Bobby Sherman’s song “Julie Do You Love Me”. He had previously told me he had it, but I said no one had those old records anymore. But sure enough he did! What a hoot. While still in Helena and after he moved to Great Falls, we’d see each other occassionally and always go to Howards Pizza – I will always think of him there. I wish I would have known he was ill so I could have come to visit him. I have thought of him often and wondered how he was – please know that I am very sorry for your loss and my sympathies are with all of your family. Rob loved you very much!
Julie Stewart
Theresa Rodriguez says
I just learned of Rob’s passing and am so shocked. I had not seen him for many years, but met him through a mutual friend of ours, Sandi Coyle. He was always full of laughter and had lots of words of support. What a merry soul. He is on high looking down now, an angel from above. God Bless you all who mourn the loss of such a great man.
Hal Roys says
Dearest sisters and family of Robin,
He was a long-time and good friend. I am so sorry you lost him so early in his life. Bless you much in the days and weeks to come and may his memories comfort and warm your heats. He was a blessing to know in childhood, and through our student and adult years. I know how he cared for his folks and sisters, as well as family and friends . God has him home again now and he is serving well in His kingdom.
Kathy (McMillan) Mortimore says
Rob was a wonderful and kind person. Always fun to be around and uplifting with his humor and kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends! Rob will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he has touched throughout his short number of years.
Carol Gilmore says
So sorry to hear of Robs passing. Rob approached everything with a good since of humor and made friends easily. He will be missed. Katie, Rob talked of you often and I know you held a special place in his heart. I want to extend my sympathy to Robins family. May you find comfort knowing he had so many friends and touched so many lives. To Rob, I will always remember that grin and twinkle in your eyes.
Diana Graber Tavary says
Cheri I am very sorry for your loss. Rob was too young to pass on and will be missed. I pray for peace in your heart this week. Blessings Di
Kim Thiel-Schaaf says
I am so sorry that I couldn’t come to Helena today for Rob’s service. Rob loved his family above all else and frequently spoke about each of you. I enjoyed getting to know Rob and sharing the “Helena connection” from our youth. Rob had a kind, gentle spirit and a wonderful smile and was always willing to help. I have missed our daily chats each evening around 5:45 p.m. since last September. May his family find comfort in their memories and love for one another in this difficult time. And may Rob find peace in the after life. Until we meet again — blessed be.
Sharon Pearce DeBoer says
Cheri, Diana, and Katie, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know that Rob was ill, nor did I know until yesterday that he had passed. I will remember him with love. He was an incredible person & I will miss him greatly.
Troy Brandt says
I am very sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. We were co-workers at Water Consulting in Hamilton back in the early 2000s. He was always a quick wit, had a great sense of humor, and provided an experienced perspective. I appreciated his positive attitude and he was always friendly with those he encountered. My condolences to his family and friends.