Elbert Roger “Whitey” Tanis, 85, of Traverse City passed into eternal rest on April 22, 2018. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI on March 30, 1933 to Anthony and Magdalena (Korhorn) Tanis. He was one of seven children raised on the family apple orchard and farm near Grandville.
Upon graduation from high school, he began a long career in the trucking and transportation field as a driver and later as a safety inspector. He drove semi-trucks for a variety of companies including Paper Cargo, Direct Transit, Tannehill DeYoung, Western Crude, and then worked as an oil field safety inspector throughout northern Michigan including the Marathon bulk terminal on West Bay before it closed down.
He retired several times over the course of his working life but always found a way to return to work. As recently as March he continued to deliver and shuttle automobiles for several dealerships in Traverse City.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #383.
He was a loving husband, father and a proud grandfather. He was a big man with a large heart of gold.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Ann Tanis and his brother Raymond (Florence) of Shingle Springs, CA.
Surviving children include: Michael (Susan) Tanis, Ruth (Harry) Lindquist, Mark Tanis, Kelly (Gary) Lee, Jenny (Mike) LeGate, Barb (Randy) Boyette, Doug (Kim) Knop, Quentin Knop, Andrea Rhodes, Keith Wilson, Carol (Dan) Wilson, Renae (Lee) Houston.
Surviving grandchildren include: Tim & Nicole, Amber, Chelsea & Jeremy, Adam, Jason & Kathleen, Daniel & Celia, Gracia, Jeanna & Chris, Renee & Joe, Stephi & TJ, Marie & James, Andrew, Brian, Shannon, Joshua, Alexis, Megan, Hailey, Lindsey, Shelby, Tara & Kevin, Seth, Ty & Jana, Dustin & Michelle, Brook & Tim, and 19 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, his former wife Phyliss Wys, and many friends and co-workers. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.
Whitey was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Cliff, and sisters Shirely Mae Bussa, Marjorie VandenToorn, Alice Crestwick, and Joanne McClurken.
Visitation is planned for Thursday, April 26, 2018, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City. A funeral service is planned at the funeral home on Friday, April 27, 2018, 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City.
Contributions and remembrances can be made to the charity of your choice or Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1050 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686
Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.
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