Name: Visitation for John Lee Tanke
Start: 2018-01-07T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-01-07T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services

John Lee Tanke NILES, MI-John Lee Tanke, age 63 years of Niles, Michigan died Wednesday January 3, 2018 following a ruptured brain aneurysm. He was born on June 3, 1954, in Princeton, Illinois to Kenneth Charles and Mary Jean (Pierson) Tanke. His entire career was in education, serving schools in Portage, Hammond, and Niles. Surviving family includes his wife of 39 years, Valerie nee Terzes and sons: Matthew and Michael; a sister, Stephanie Tanke; and sisters-in-law, Marianne Dowdy and Georgene Johnson. Services at 11:00 a.m. Central Time on Monday at Saint Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church, Valparaiso with entombment Graceland Cemetery. Visitation 2:00-6:00 p.m. Eastern Time Sunday at HALBRITTER-WICKENS FUNERAL HOME, 615 E. Main St., Niles, and on Monday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Central Time at the church. Contributions in memory of John may be made to Camp Eberhart, or to Grant-Hamill Foundation of the Indiana DeMolay. Online condolences may be left at: www.halbritterwickens.com

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

Published by The Times on Jan. 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Tanke

37 Entries

Patti Vawter

December 31, 2023

John's son Michael married our niece Natalie. Val and John raised a good man.
Unfortunately I met him a few times but I remember he was funny and very friendly and always smiling. When I think of him I picture him smiling.
We all miss you John

January 15, 2018

DEAREST VALERIE AND FAMILY,MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU. I HAVE VERY FOND MEMORIES OF YOU GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS
BLAST FROM THE PAST,DOROTHY SAFFA
WHERE IS YOUR AUNT BESSE??

Diana Fullerton Hiatt

January 14, 2018

Valerie, Matthew, Michael, and Stephanie

Our family was very sad to hear the passing of our great cousin, John Tanke. We were fortunate to have many memories of John here in Omaha and elsewhere. John had the biggest heart and accomplished so much here on earth. With sadness we extend our deepest sympathy. Your family is in our prayers.

Diana Fullerton Hiatt
Tim Fullerton
Roger Fullerton
Jon Fullerton

Betty Perkins

January 10, 2018

For 25 years John has been my "bestest buddy". We shared laughter, problem solving, joy, ideas, insights, "soup", concerns, adventures, vacations, solid support, trust and much more. John, Valerie, Matthew and Michael will always be in my heart

Mike Conlon

January 10, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss Val. You and your family are in my prayers.

lind Azcona Leven

January 9, 2018

My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Remembering John always as one of the sweetest guys in high school. Wishing the family continued strength during this difficult time.

Beth Hobbs

January 8, 2018

Valerie,
Sorry for your loss! My thought are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Dianne Shirrell

January 8, 2018

Valerie, I was shocked to hear about John. I am so sorry. I always enjoyed seeing you both off and on over the years. John was a great guy. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Lisa Henderson

January 8, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Diane Gourlay-Gordon

January 8, 2018

Val, Matt & Michael,
Our deepest sympathies in this sad news...Our prayers and thoughts are with you all...

Stacy Costidakis Wertz

January 7, 2018

Valerie, Matthew, Michael and Stephanie,
We are heartbroken to hear of John's passing. May God give you all the strength, love and courage needed during this time. We are with you in thought and spirit.
With Love and Sympathy,
Vince, Stacy, Evan and Andrew

Margie (Pester) Fraley

January 7, 2018

Stephanie and family, I'm so sorry to read of John's passing. Praying for you all as you go through this tough time. May your good memories bring you lots of comfort.

Amy Santeramo

January 7, 2018

Valerie, Matthew and Michael,
Although the years have gone by quickly, the memories I have of you all seem like yesterday. My heart is broken to hear of this news of John. He was such a kind, fun person, full of facts and willing to share them! His smile and laugh were the best. I can hear him telling stories of his IU days and meeting Valerie, clearly the best part of his tale. I witnessed his love for her, Matthew and Michael everytime I was with them. You were my extended family back then and very important people to me and I am sorry we lost touch as life seems to move so fast. I love you all and pray that God gives you the strength to help you grieve and heal. Memories eternal, RIP John.
Amy Santeramo

Mark Ribordy

January 7, 2018

So sorry. John was my wrestling coach. I always liked him. My thought go out to his family

Mila (Matan) Sokolowski

January 7, 2018

Dear Valerie and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in your memories.

Kelsey Schaecher Long

January 6, 2018

May God bless you all and help you to find comfort during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Lynne Fullerton

January 6, 2018

Ms Valerie, We can hardly comprehend the devastating news of John's passing. We are so so sorry. We will be thinking about you, your family

Eira McDaniel

January 6, 2018

Val, Michael, and Matt - I am so saddened by this untimely passing. Working with John all these years and going to contests with you young men was a blessing. May his spirit live with you always. Peace and love to the family. Eira McDaniel

Kay Kelley

January 6, 2018

My heartfelt prayers are for you and your family, Valerie. John was your soul mate. A romance that began at IU all those years ago. John leaves a void for all of us but his handprint on this world will last for years. He will be remembered for his huge heart and his amazing ability to keep us all laughing. Sending my Chi O love, kay

Bob Ziomek

January 6, 2018

To the Tanke family.
My deepest condolences to your family. Though not in contact with John since so long ago in high school, I have many memories with John, Woody and others. Prayers are sent your way on the wings of angels.

Marijo Wilbur

January 6, 2018

He was a selfless man to all who knew him. I will miss you cousin.

Marcia Dowdy

January 6, 2018

Valerie, Michael, and Matthew, We were so sorry to hear about John. You have our deepest sympathies. He was such a great guy! We know you will keep him alive in your hearts with all the beautiful memories you all have. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. God bless you!!! Love, Roger and Marcia Dowdy

Mike Frazier

January 6, 2018

Val, my deepest sympathies go out to you and the family. I am stunned hearing of this loss. May the arms of all your friends join together and reach out to surround you with warm hugs.

Deana (Matan) Wardill

January 6, 2018

Valerie, To you and your family, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of John. May God give you strength at this most difficult time. God speed John. Watch over your loved ones.

Mike Siroky

January 6, 2018

John was among the strongest of Wirt Troopers. I was blessed to work with Valerie at the Arbutus through a remarkable coincidence. He will be remembered.

Elaine Costidakis

January 6, 2018

Valerie,Matthew,Michael, and Stephanie my heart is very heavy with the passing of John !!!We will miss him deeply. I pray that that Our Lord gives you all the strength you need at this time and remember that his wonderful memories will help you through this very difficult time !! May his Memory be every Eternal !! Love to all Aunt Elaine

Patti Vawter

January 6, 2018

My heart felt condolences to you Michael and your Mom and brother Matt.I wish I could give you comforting words to help you during this difficult time with the loss of your Father.I read his obirtury and he touched a lot of people in so many good ways. I am sure you are proud to have him as your Father. Just remember you will be together again time won't help with the pain but time will help you cope .Be strong for your Mom. I am sending you big hugs from Rochester and you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers all week and will continue.Love you Patti Vawter Natalie's Aunt Patti and Michael

Sue Benjamin

January 6, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.

Pat Kuntz

January 6, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss. Through the years of working with John, I enjoyed his sense of humor and the sound of his laugh down the hall. He was the eternal "Peck's bad boy" and the best person to sit with at staff gatherings. His contributions to the community will long be remembered. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.

January 6, 2018

I am so very sorry for your loss. John was truly a good soul and I have always held him in the highest esteem. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work and know him.

January 6, 2018

Sincere condolences to the family. So shocked to read this obit. My last conversation with John was mid-way on a bike ride, when he stopped in at Trinity Episcopal in Niles for their Strawberry Fest, while out "keeping fit." Eleanor D. Fisher (former BOE member for Niles Comm. Schools)

Kal and Bonnie Waxman

January 6, 2018

To the Tanke Family,

Our sincere condolences to you at this most difficult time. I first met John when he was a camper at Camp Eberhart and I was on the camp staff. Years later we both served on the camp board. We hope the fond memories you have of John will bring you great comfort.

George & Kasandra Bogordos

January 6, 2018

Our sympathy to Valerie and family. May his memory be eternal

Ruth Woryna-Cozza

January 6, 2018

I have many fond memories of the Demolay days with John during our high school years. He provided many laughs! I also share many memories of school days with Valerie at Pittman Square, Bailey, and Lew Wallace. My sincere condolences to you. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dave Springmann

January 5, 2018

A special prayer for Stephanie. I know of the love between siblings. May God be with you.

Dave & Terry Springmann

January 5, 2018

With our deepest sympathies. John was a special friend since we were 8 years old. He was a dedicated family man and worked diligently in his profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with Valerie, Matthew and Michael.

Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results