John Edwin Taaning

1939 - 2015

John Taaning John Edwin Taaning, 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Ukiah from heart failure on Friday, April 10, 2015. John is survived by his daughters Jessica Taaning-Sanchez, and Cassandra (Cassie) Taaning-Trotter of Redwood Valley, and son Mike Taaning of Calpella. John's memorial service is Friday, May 1st 3 p.m. at Eversole Mortuary in Ukiah, followed by a Celebration of Life. John was born July 3, 1939 in Copenhagen, Denmark. His father Edwin Taaning was a Danish professional banjo player and mother Blanche Adair an American registered nurse. The Taanings remained in Copenhagen until WWII when the German Nazis invaded Denmark. During the chaos that followed in 1942 Blanche quickly gathered all four children ages 3 weeks to 6 years and boarded the last boat leaving Europe to the U.S. As a Danish citizen Edwin could not leave the country. He was recruited by the Nazis to entertain troops, forced to play banjo in their band. The family did not reunite. Upon returning to the U.S. Blanche feared her family home in San Francisco could be bombed by the Japanese. Avoiding the city she looked for work in rural hospitals and relocated in Ukiah with a new RN job at Ukiah General Hospital and later Mendocino State Hospital in Talmage. John and his 3 siblings Vi, Jeannette and Ken grew up in Ukiah with a full-time working, single mother. Times were tough, they didn't have a car and being the oldest son John took charge as head of household. At age 11 John shot his first deer up on the hill by the beacon, dragged it home and prepared it for meals. Whether it be odd jobs, hunting, fishing or gardening John became an independent, hard-working provider at a young age. This shaped the man he became. John graduated from Ukiah High in 1957. He received a Bachelor degree in Science and his teaching credential from Humboldt State University. Beginning in 1962 he taught science at Redwood Valley Middle School for 25 years and is remembered as a great wrestling coach. Additionally, John was a commercial salmon fisherman during the summer and worked weekends and nights as a checker at Purity Market and Safeway. But his greatest love was teaching. He was a zealous science teacher, cared deeply for his students and helped many who were in need after school. John will be remembered as highly skilled and competent at just about anything he endeavored. He was an avid outdoorsman, horseman, dog trainer, hunter, fisherman, abalone diver and farmer. He loved cooking huge meals and sharing food with family and neighbors. He was a great cook and didn't need recipes. He was also well versed in history, culture and politics. John loved all kinds of music he had a vast collection and kept up with current artists. He appreciated the pretty ladies and loved to dance! John was married to Susie Holzhauser from 1964-1983 and they raised three children on their self sufficient farm in Redwood Valley. John, our father was a passionate teacher in and outside the classroom. He taught us a gazillion things from light prisms to animal husbandry. He instilled important life skills, placed great importance on social equality, and academics while fostering our individuality, independence and self-sufficiency. Family life was great but not perfect. Dad was a stern disciplinarian, struggled with disappointment, temper and alcoholism. But he was mostly loving and affectionate. We knew we were his first priority. He did the best he could, or the best he knew how considering he lacked a father figure in his life. We hold fond memories of a lovely home where he provided farm animals, horses, pets, huge garden, swimming pool, camping and fishing, cultural trips to SF's museums and Chinatown. He cared a lot. He was present. After retirement John traveled to Denmark and Mexico, eventually moved to Wyoming and later Yuma, Arizona. He came back to Ukiah in 2012 and his family was blessed to share 3 good years with him back home. During his last years John's neighbors remember him as generous and social, kids loved that he engaged them in conversation, regularly handed out oranges and candy. He continued to cook big meals and enjoyed sharing with neighbors. He rode his bike with orange baseball cap to the market carrying grocery bags on the handle bars, to the senior center and AA meetings. He was out and about on his bike every day until his last. In addition to his kids John is survived by his sisters Carolyn (Vi) of Orinda and Jeanette of Half Moon Bay, grandkids Travis Neece, Danielle Taaning and great-grandson baby Barrett Terry-Neece. He was preceded in death by his parents Blanche and Edwin and younger brother Ken. We love him so much. Dad and his never ending history stories will be greatly missed. Please join us in celebrating John's life and share your memories with family and friends Friday May 1st, 3 p.m. at Eversole Mortuary. Following the memorial a Celebration of Life will be held at 1900 Foothill Dr, Redwood Valley. For directions and information call Cassie 707-272-0131. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Ukiah.