Glen R. Tamke

1930 - 2026

Glen R. Tamke

December 10, 1930 - March 9, 2026

Glen Reinhold Tamke, age 95, peacefully passed away at home on March 9th, 2026. Glen's adoring family surrounded him as he took his last breaths, just as he wished.

Glen was born in 1930 on his family's farm in the Town of Glencoe, rural Arcadia, Wisconsin. He immensely enjoyed being a "farm kid" as evidenced by the numerous stories he shared. Following high school graduation (Arcadia HS 1948) he continued to work the family farm for several years.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 and proudly served until honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1956. Although his dream of being a pilot fell short due to color blindness, Glen found gratification working as a jet aircraft mechanic. He carried on his military service in the Air Force Reserve and National Guard until 1961. His love for planes and flying endured and he would often have his eyes focused on the sky just to catch a glimpse of aircraft overhead. Glen's last air travel was in 2017 when he joined other veterans on a Freedom Honor Flight to Washington D.C.; daughter, Karolyn, had the great opportunity to accompany him.

Throughout his military years Glen completed several correspondence courses and ultimately earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from UW-Madison in 1962. During his professional career he was employed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, and Strand Associates. Ayres Associates hired Glen in 1970 where he worked diligently as Director and Vice President of the Water Resources Division until retirement in 1992. He spent his retirement years serving for 8 years on the Eau Claire City Council and many years as an election poll worker. In addition, he enjoyed monitoring the Chippewa River Trail for the Department of Natural Resources.

Glen and Beverly (nee Haug) married on Labor Day weekend 1960 in Sand Creek, Wisconsin. Glen and Bev spent their early years in the Madison area then relocated to Eau Claire in 1970 to raise their three children. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past September.

Glen loved the outdoors. He spent time fishing, hunting, gardening and tending to his immaculate yard. He also enjoyed camping and RV road trips with his family; there are few states that he had not explored. Glen joined Trinity Lutheran Church in 1971 and remained an active member until his death.

Glen is survived by his wife, Bev; children Kevin, Kristin and Karolyn; grandsons Dakota, Logan and Cooper; sister-in-law Barb Lee; niece Dana Schroeder; nephews Kerry Tamke, Robin Tamke and Mark Lee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reinhold and Viola Tamke; in-laws George and Esther Haug; infant daughter Karin Lynn; brother Roger Tamke; sister-in-law JoAnn Tamke; brother-in-law Don Lee; and his faithful Labrador Retrievers Mike, Cinder, Chief, and Max.

Funeral services for Glen will take place at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Patrick Patterson officiating. A luncheon will be served at the church immediately following the service. Visitation will take place that day at the church from 10 am until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at a later date with military honors in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to St. Croix Hospice for supporting them with Glen's end-of-life care.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church (Food Pantry and Quilters groups) . Family and friends may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.