Obituary of Fred Gene Tanner

    Fred Gene Tanner, fifth of six children born to Frank E. and Katherine (Wooster) Tanner, entered the world on November 20, 1931, in Eagle Grove, IA. He grew up there along with his brothers and sisters: Margaret, Frank, Jr. “Zip”, James, Dorothy, and Marna. He received his education in Eagle Grove, graduating from Eagle Grove Public High School in 1949. He then joined the Army National Guard, retiring in 1962 after 15 years of service having attained the rank of 2^nd Lieutenant.

    Following high school, Fred attended Eagle Grove Junior College for two years, completed his B.A. through Westmar College in Le Mars, IA, and earned his Master of Education degree at Mankato State College in Mankato, MN.

    On July 12, 1953, Fred was united in marriage to Lucile Joanne Johnson at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Craig, IA. They became parents to five children: Mark, Doug, Steve, Scott, and Nancy. Fred’s teaching career would include Iowa schools at Terril, Estherville, and Hartley. From 1961 to 1969, he also officiated local high school football and basketball games, something he always enjoyed doing. After 38 years in education, he retired in 1991.

    Having been an avid sportsman his entire life, Fred shared his love of nature with his sons on hunting and fishing excursions. Lots of memories were made over the fire on the many camping trips they took together over the years. Gardening and woodworking were other favorite pastimes for Fred; both proved to be relaxing as well as rewarding. In his retirement years, he also enjoyed traveling and helping others through volunteer work. Of course, nothing brought him more pleasure than just spending time with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

    Fred was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran in Hartley where he had served in different capacities of the church. He was also a lifetime member of the National Education Association.

    On Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Fred passed from this life at the age of 90 years. Keeping his memory close at heart are his wife of 68 years, Lucile of Hartley, IA; his children: Mark (LaDonna) Tanner of Spencer, IA, Doug (Marlys) Tanner of St. Cloud, MN, Steve (Kim) Tanner of Ottumwa, IA, Scott (Juli) Tanner of Nevada, IA, and Nancy Johnson of Jackson, MN; eleven grandchildren; TJ (Amy) Tanner, Katie (Nick) Chapman, Sara (Anthony) Escher, Anna (Andy) Harmsen, Emma (Matt Schul) Tanner, Gabriel (Alex) Tanner, Laura Tanner, Erik Tanner, Nathan Tanner, Emily Johnson (fiancé, Collin Stevermer), and Ben Johnson; four great-grandchildren: Ethan Tanner, Trista Tanner, Charley Escher, Brady Harmsen, and “one on the way”; sisters-in-law: Edna Johnson and Velda (LaVerne) Benson; other relatives and friends.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Katherine Tanner; his siblings and spouses: Margaret (Don) Martin, Frank, Jr. (Vernice) Tanner, James (Helen) Tanner, Dorothy (Herman) Winter, and Marna Juvenal; in-laws: Melvin (Lois) Johnson, and Lester Johnson.