Joseph Leon Tancer

Joseph was a hardworking man who believed in taking care of his family and building a good life through determination and his own two hands. There was little he could not build, fix, or figure out. His ability to create and work with his hands was more than a talent—it was simply part of who he was.

Joseph was, above all, a devoted family man. While the many things he built throughout his life will remain part of his legacy, his greatest accomplishment was the family he loved and the life he built for them.

Joseph worked for Florida Power & Light (FPL) for 37 years. He later owned and operated All Lot Bushhogging for 25 years. In his free time, he enjoyed freshwater fishing and vacationing in the mountains.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Whidden) Tancer; his daughters, Lisa (Keith) Kersey, Angie (Kevin) Campbell, Cheryl Howard, Valerie (Wesley) Carter, and Leanna (Bill) Saxer; 10 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Don Tancer and John Tancer; his brother-in-law, David (Kelly) Whidden; sister-in-law, Nancy Whidden; and many nieces and nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by his brothers, Andrew Tancer, Vic Tancer, Lou Tancer, Marty Tancer, and Frank Tancer; his sisters, Vera (Tancer) Kovach and Marge (Tancer) Bush; and brother-in-law, Frank Whidden.

Joseph will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on through the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the lasting legacy of a life built with hard work, love, and devotion.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda.