Vernon Edward "Mike" Tanzer

Vernon Edward Tanzer (known to all as "Mike" or "Mickey") passed away on October 9th, 2025, at the age of 91.

Mike was born in Chicago, IL to Hazel and Vernon F. Tanzer on April 28th, 1934. He graduated from Proviso Township High School in Maywood, IL, and went on to attend Elmhurst College.

Mike met and married his lifelong love, Marge Hesler, on September 28, 1957, and immediately adopted Marge's two daughters, Carolee and Denise. Mike and Marge thus began their 60 years of love and friendship.

Mike had many jobs before and during college, including a position at Honeywell, but starting in the late 50s, Mike- and later, also his brother Charles ("Corky")- worked in the family printing business their parents started. With only the four Tanzers running the firm (Mike in Sales & Marketing), their little family business grew to become one of the most competitive printing firms in Printers Row, in what was, at the time, the "printing capital of the Midwest"- Chicago.

Over the next 30+ years, Mike and Corky ran Prince Printing, and Mike became President of the Printers Guild, earning many honors for his work and dedication to working collaboratively with other printing firms in Chicago and beyond.

In his youth, Mike earned a pilot's license, flying light planes for pleasure for several years. He enjoyed sharing this passion with his father, also a pilot.

Mike and Marge were major vintage car enthusiasts, and were key members of the Chicagoland Mustang Club, where they earned many trophies in the "rallies" so popular then. Later, they were welcomed into the Chicagoland Thunderbird Club, which brought years of joy and friendship to this very social pair. They became part of the Vintage Thunderbirds of Florida and Vintage Thunderbirds International when they retired to the Sunshine State in 1989. Throughout 50 years of competitions, Mike and Marge collected dozens of 1st Place and Best of Show awards for their Mustang and vintage T-birds (a black, a red and a yellow).

Mike was a gifted writer and lent those talents to all his community, recreational and business endeavors, including his regular column in the Printers Guild publication, "Prince Mike's Column", and contributions to the Midwest Club.

Mike and Marge moved to Ocala, FL in 1989 after falling in love with Oak Run, a 55+ community. Ocala was home for 36 more happy years. They made many friends, and for years, hosted and annual Christmas party, where all were welcome. They also loved being part of the Birthday Club.

Mike lost his beloved Marge in 2018, but never wanted to leave his peaceful home in Neighborhood 6, often saying, "I want to stay here until my last breath". And so, he did.

Mike is survived by three daughters, Carolee Williams (Bob, husband, deceased), Denise L. Hancock (husband Larry), and Lisa Tanzer (husband Gary Wamhoff). Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Marge, his son Michael, and his brother, Charles.

There will be no service, but anyone wishing to honor Mike Tanzer, who was a cancer survivor, may donate to the American Cancer Society, or the Red Cross, two organizations he proudly supported.