Jack D. Tanner passed away at home on Saturday, August 10, 2019. He was born November 21, 1932 in Washington, Iowa where he spent his childhood with brother Tom, sister Ann and his twin sister Jane.
After graduating from high school in 1950 Jack went to Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa (the same college where William A. Clark studied law in 1856.). During his years in college he was the right tackle for the football team. Jack’s senior year on the football team they were undefeated in their conference. Their team went on to play in the Corn Bowl, Jack’s great claim to fame. After graduating from college with a degree in education he was drafted and served in the US Army in Ft. Sill Oklahoma. Once he left the Army, he went back home to help his Dad in the oil business.
In 1967, he decided teaching would be a better profession for him, so he moved to Fromberg, Montana to teach and coach. He then taught and refereed in Glasgow for several years. He took a position at the Montana Power Company in Butte in 1977. He worked there until 1995 when he retired as a load forecast planner. His many friends and coworkers from the company remained part of his life.
He was an avid sportsman his entire life. He hunted, fished, golfed, and skied. He especially supported the MSU Bobcats and the University of Iowa, along with many other teams. In his spare time, he kept a beautiful yard with flowers and tomato plants, as well as caring for the grounds at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. In addition to sports, Jack maintained a very active social life, including weekly bridge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Florence Tanner, and his brother Tom Tanner of Washington, Iowa. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jeanne Joki Tanner, his sister, Ann Labrie, of Butte, twin sister, Jane Lambertson, of Butte, and sister-in-law Charlene Tanner, of Washington, Iowa. He also leaves behind numerous stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and a multitude of friends. He will most certainly be missed by all of them.
Throughout Jack’s life, he dedicated himself to serving friends and family. Also, Jack donated his time and great strength to the Butte Food Bank from many of his retirement years. In honor of him, you can send donations to the Butte Food Bank ,1079 East Second Street, Butte, MT 59701.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday August 16, 2019
Saint Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 16, 2019
Saint Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Rite of Committal
2:00 p.m.
Friday August 16, 2019
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday August 16, 2019
Saint Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 16, 2019
Saint Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Rite of Committal
2:00 p.m.
Friday August 16, 2019
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Staff says
Jeanne and Ann,
Please accept my condolences on Jack’s passing. He was a great guy. I will fondly remember all the good times we had hunting, fishing, and, yes, carousing and two-fisted drinking. Rest in piece my dear friend.
Rob Stuart