Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
A funeral service for Fred G. Tanner was held Saturday, July 9, 2022, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hartley. Pastor Dave Ericksen officiated.
Pallbearers were TJ Tanner, Katie Chapman, Gabriel Tanner, Sara Escher, Anna Harmsen, Emma Tanner, Laura Tanner, Erik Tanner, Nathan Tanner, Emily Johnson and Ben Johnson. Burial was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.
Fred Gene Tanner, fifth of six children born to Frank E. and Katherine (Wooster) Tanner, entered the world on Nov. 20, 1931 in Eagle Grove. 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 2nd Lieutenant.
Following high school, Fred attended Eagle Grove Junior College for two years, completed his B.A. through Westmar College in LeMars and earned his Master of Education degree at Mankato State College in Mankato, Minn.
Fred was united in marriage to Lucile Joanne Johnson on July 12, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Craig. 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 1961-1969, 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.
Fred passed from this life on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at the age of 90 years. Keeping his memory close at heart are his wife of 68 years, Lucile, of Hartley; his children: Mark (LaDonna) Tanner, of Spencer; Doug (Marlys) Tanner, of St. Cloud, Minn.; Steve (Kim) Tanner, of Ottumwa; Scott (Juli) Tanner, of Nevada; and Nancy Johnson, of Jackson, Minn.; 11 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.
