February 25, 1942 — March 5, 2026

Jerry L. Runyan, of Elk Mountain, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026, with loved ones at his side. He was 84 years old.

Jerry was born on February 25, 1942, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Cleveland and Alma “Ammie” (Kidder) Runyan. He spent his early years on the family homestead in Yaak, Montana, attended elementary school in Libby, Montana, and high school in Columbia Falls, Montana. That old homestead on the Yaak River would forever hold a place in his heart.

After graduating, Jerry answered the call of service and joined the United States Navy, where he served proudly for four years. His time in the Navy was nothing short of adventurous — he served aboard a ship involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis and spent extended time in Antarctica, six months one year and seven months the next.

Following his honorable discharge, Jerry joined his father and uncle in the family logging business in the Libby, Montana and Columbia Falls area. It was in Libby that he met the love of his life, Linda, who was teaching first grade at the time. Introduced by his mother Ammie at church, the two were married in 1967 at the LDS Temple in Cardston, Alberta, Canada — a union that would endure for 59 wonderful years. The young couple settled in Troy, Montana, where Jerry continued his work in the logging industry.

In 1971, they moved to Salt Lake City to be near Primary Children’s Hospital for their daughter Cree’s care for severe allergies. As fate would have it, by 1977 Salt Lake City’s pollution had become a health concern of its own, and Jerry and Linda made the decision to seek cleaner air for their family.

In 1977 they moved to Saratoga, Wyoming, and on March 17, 1978 — fittingly, St. Patrick’s Day — they settled into their longtime home in Elk Mountain, a place that would define the rest of Jerry’s life. Shortly after, their son Buck was born in September 1978. Jerry went to work as a welder and mechanic in several of the area coal mines. When the Shoshone underground mine was permanently closed, he earned his CDL and drove over-the-road for a time, before retiring.

Jerry and Linda raised five children — Cree, Todd, Sam, Cadi, and Buck — and carried with them always the memory of their daughter Kamia Erin, who passed away at birth.

Faith was a cornerstone of Jerry’s life. He faithfully served in various callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was privileged to serve in both the Denver Temple and the Fort Collins Temple.

Jerry loved the outdoors and was always ready with a story about hunting, fishing, or the mischievous adventures of his youth. He also had a fondness for a good prank—many of which became legendary among his coworkers at the coal mine.

Though he was never one for large crowds, Jerry found great peace in solitude and the quiet beauty of nature. Jerry had a deep love for the mountains. He especially enjoyed riding his horse, Old Bear, into the forest and up to high mountain lakes. He also enjoyed cutting firewood—often preferring the biggest trees he could find—along with hunting, fishing, fly tying, and reloading. A true tradesman, Jerry could seemingly fix or build anything. He was a skilled welder, electrician, mechanic, and carpenter. He also enjoyed amateur (ham) radio.

Jerry was not a social butterfly by nature — he preferred the company of the wilderness to a crowd — but his presence had a way of making ordinary moments feel special. He was a giant of a man, one who could seem intimidating at first, yet those who knew him understood his quiet kindness, gentle spirit, and unique sense of humor.

Above all else, Jerry loved his family. He touched many lives and reminded those around him to slow down and find joy in the simple things. His steady presence and quiet wisdom left a lasting impression on everyone privileged to know him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, Cleveland Runyan; his mother, Alma (Ammie) Runyan; and daughter, Kamia Erin Runyan.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, to whom he was married for 59 years; his five children: Cree Bowen, Todd Runyan, Sam (Kristi) Runyan, Cadi (Bear) Kirkwood, and Buck (Jana) Runyan; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the LDS Church in Hanna, Wyoming.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s honor to the Town of Elk Mountain for Community Services, PO Box 17, Elk Mountain, WY 82324 (to include, but not limited to the Senior Center, Museum, Park, Library, Funeral Committee, Cemetery Board, et al.)