News : Missing CR woman\'s body found south of Shellsburg; investigation continues

Searchers found the body of a missing CR woman Tuesday after her car was seen south of Shellsburg.

While searching a creek southwest of Shellsburg Tuesday afternoon, the Palo Fire Department’s Water Recovery Unit found the body of an 81-year-old Cedar Rapids woman who had been reported missing earlier this week.

The victim has been identified as Constance Runde, 81. The Cedar Rapids Police Department had issued an "Operation Quickfind" alert after Runde's family reported her missing.

Benton County Sheriff Randy Forsyth said some questions remain about whether the missing woman had been last seen on Sunday, or Monday afternoon.

Forsyth said that a trapper who was scouting the creek area near the intersection of 65th Street and 29th Avenue southwest of Shellsburg on Tuesday morning saw a vehicle parked near the creek, in a grassy area between the tree line and a corn field. He reported the vehicle as a possible trespassing violator.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Department responded, then issued a call for searchers Tuesday afternoon. Dozens of firefighters and First Responders from throughout the area responded.
The Sheriff said the car entered the field area via a muddy “Class C” road that is used only for agricultural vehicles, then drove north about a mile in the grassway near the field before coming to a stop. The Palo team found Runde's body in about three feet of water under what the sheriff described as “somewhat of a logjam.”

Authorities presume Runde had wandered off; foul play is not suspected. The investigation by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office continues. The medical examiner arrived early Friday evening; and autopsy is set for Wednesday.