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FUNERAL HOME

Geisen-Carlisle Funeral & Cremation Services - Michigan City

613 Washington Street

Michigan City, Indiana

Lawrence Tanber Obituary

Lawrence Tanber peacefully passed away on Jan. 22, 2022, at the age of 97. A longtime resident of Michigan City, Indiana, he lived there his entire life, except for his military service and the last three years of life. He was born on Feb. 12, 1924, to Nickolas and Anna (Mikwee) Tanber.

In 1943, Larry trained with the United States Army and was sent to traverse across Europe during World War II. Through hard work and determination, he achieved the rank of Technician Fifth Grade in the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion. While in Belgium, his crew came under intense hostile fire and his entire party left their vehicles to seek nearby positions of cover. Larry courageously ignored the hail of fire and remained in his M8 armored car to accurately fire on the enemy positions. He single-handedly silenced the enemy's weapons, which enabled his unit to withdraw from the ambush.

For his outstanding bravery in the Battle of the Bulge, Larry earned the Silver Star, one of our nation's highest combat awards. Two years later, he returned home where he went on to attend five years of night school at Purdue North Central and received a diploma in drafting and mechanical engineering technology. Larry continued his employment at Dwyer Products for 48 years while teaching engineering classes for 24 years at PNC.

At the age of 8, Larry found his love for golf. By the age of 13, he started his endeavor as a dedicated caddy. He sought out every opportunity to learn strategies of the game, and grew into an outstanding amateur golfer. His passion for the game led him to establish the Tanber-Blair Scholarship Foundation to help young golfers attend college. Time spent with Larry was cherished by those he mentored and played alongside, several of whom were great names in golf and active in the PGA. He is a golfing legend in La Porte County, having won 16 county championships, 14 Michigan City championships, and the Indiana Amateur Championship in 1965. He leaves behind a room full of trophies, but he often expressed that his greatest trophy was Gwen, whom he waited 74 years to marry in August of 1998.

Larry leaves behind his beloved wife, Gwendolyn Pohlman (Wright) Tanber. He is also survived by his children, Brad (Julie Callsen) Pohlman, Blair (Jane) Pohlman and Gay Lynn (John David) Marcum; grandchildren, Christi (Andrew), Dean (Marisa), Cody (Carly), Patrick (Sarah), Macy (Andy) and Lacey; great-grandchildren, Sofie, Gwen, Remi, Declan and Poppy; and brother, Norman Tanber. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Laurice Gibreal.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Share Foundation, P.O. Box 400 Rolling Prairie, IN, 46371.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Monday, January 31, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, 1725 E. Barker Avenue, Michigan City, IN, 46360. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

To sign the online guestbook or leave condolences, please visit: www.Carlislefh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Porte County Herald-Dispatch on Jan. 26, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Tanber

11 Entries

Connie Smith

August 20, 2022

I was so honored to be able to take care of Larry in his last days andays and ears before that. I loved him from the 1st moment I saw him at Magnolia Springs. He was always so loving and showed so much compassion towards others. He always brought a smile to my face when I would see him. He always ask how my grandbaby was doing knowing the situation and he never forgot. Even right before he passed away he ask. He was one of the most loving people I've ever met in my life and I will never forget.

Leslie Turner Gratton

February 5, 2022

I have just learned of the passing of Larry Tanber. My family lived in Illinois but my mom would always go "home" to Michigan City whenever she could eventually moving back. The family and relatives were always held close and many wonderful memories were made. Part of those memories were visiting Larry and Aunt Annie. It was a pleasure to talk with them and watch how wonderful he was with his mom making sure every detail was taken care of. When he met and married Gwen we were so happy for them both. It's wonderful that they had many years together.
Gwen, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your time together was a special gift for you both. God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tom Lernihan, PGA

February 2, 2022

Gwen and the family,

I´m sorry for your loss of Larry.

He was a very special person. I spent a lot of time with Larry on the golf course. As a teenager, he had a distinct influence on my life.
In all the time I spent with Larry on the golf course, I never seen him lose his cool. He was the epitome of disciplined. Among all the golfers I have ever played with, Larry was one of the purest strikers of the golf ball.
He was always soft spoken, humble and pleasant to be with. I never heard him utter a disparaging remark about anyone.

He was truly a Gentle Man.

Throughout the years, Larry was an attentive and caring son to his elderly mother. After her passing, I was very happy to see Larry find Gwen.

She completed his life.

Larry´s name has been uttered many times on the Lesson Tee here in Virginia. I´ve told the stories of this Hogan like mentor that I grew up playing with that helped shape my approach to the game of golf and life in general.

I´m sure God met him at the Gate and said "Well done my Son."

Fond memories of Larry, and Peace to your family.

Jim Ransberger

January 31, 2022

RIP my friend, I'll always cherish our time together, the rounds of golf played and our friendship through the years. Cheers to a life well played.

Drs Kelly

January 30, 2022

For 20 years we were neighbors of Larry. He didn´t mind the noise from our 6-mo. old, 2, 3 4-year-old or our dog when they were playing in front or on the side of the houses.

Our family made a new experience for him, yet he took it as a gentle grandfather would, playing, teaching and helping.

As my children grew, their first stop after school was always to visit with Larry they knew homemade desserts and stories were waiting. And I knew that if my children were not in the house or at the playground, they were next door listening to the stories Larry and his mother told.

As my son grew, Larry imparted his knowledge and skills of golf. He enjoyed showing proper techniques and Larry even made a set of golf clubs to fit the size of my son.

We knew Larry as a soft-spoken and gentle man, yet his courage was obvious. His humility was always demonstrated when speaking about his military service and he always mentioned the horrible casualties of war.

My family has many wonderful memories of Larry that we will continue to cherish.

Peace

Harry Gasparett

January 29, 2022

He was the best golfer ever in this area, and more important, he was the finest human being I have ever known. I am proud to have caddied for Larry. RIP my friend.

Cindy Weiss

January 27, 2022

Gwen, Brad, Blair, Gay Lynn and family,
I am so deeply sorry to hear of your loss of Larry. My deepest condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Skip Wild

January 27, 2022

I tried to copy Larry's excellence in golf and life style for many years. Never be forgotten. God Bless. SKIP Wild

Doug Schnick

January 27, 2022

I remember caddying for Larry in a tournament on a blistering hot summer day. The course was tough and Larry had just 3 putted his second hole in a row. There was a long wait on the next tee so I walked a fairway over to get him a cup of cold water. Incredibly he refused it. He told me he was serving penance, but insisted I drink both cups LOL. That´s how I remember Larry. Ever the gentleman. Always disciplined.

Scott Brooks

January 27, 2022

Please accept my condolences. Being able to serve Larry the last six month and spend time talking to him daily was surely a blessing. Being a retired combat veteran and to listen to Larry and his time in combat was amazing to say the least. Larry became my best friend and an inspiration. To watch Larry with his wife Gwen each day together showed me what true love looks like. May my friend Rest In Peace. You will be missed by all.

Suzanne Sharp

January 26, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Larry´s death. We worked together for several years at Dwyer Products. Eventually I was Blessed to be able to work with him in the Engineering Dept. He taught me so much about drafting when they went to computer drafting. He was such a kind and understanding gentleman and such a wonderful son to his mother. RIP Larry.... Sending heartfelt condolences to his family.

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