Robert Silas Tanner, age 88 of Wayland, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on September 3, 2026, while surrounded by family, and is now walking with his Lord and Savior after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Dorothy Tanner; brothers Russell Tanner, Carl Jay Tanner; and great-granddaughter, Lillian VanderHill.
Bob will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife of 66 years, Anna Mae Tanner; children Robert W. (Kathy) Tanner, Ronda (Marv) DeHaan, Ronald (Tracy) Tanner, Rayanna (Steve) Oetman; grandchildren Tyce (Natalie) Tanner, Chelsea (Nick) Lottridge, Kaylah Tanner, Jaclyn DeHaan, Seth (Renee) DeHaan, Joel (Allison) DeHaan, Gabriel (Danielle) DeHaan, Ross (Bree) Tanner, Reid (Brie) Tanner, Rylie (Matt) VanderHill, Samantha (Austin) McKecknie, Justin (Emma) Oetman; 26 great-grandchildren; sister, Ruthann Roxbury; brothers-in-law John (Mary) Hoeksema, Ed (Maggie) Bruursema, Dennis Bruursema; sister-in-law, Shirley Bruursema; and many special nieces and nephews.
Bob’s greatest joys in life were his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for his family. He loved camping, traveling, bowling, fishing, and gardening. He was an active, devoted member of Wayland Christian Reformed Church, where he was involved with the Calvinist Cadet Corp for many years. He was a longtime resident of the city of Wayland where he served on the Board of Review and volunteered many hours at Christian Neighbors. Some of the many jobs he held over the years were Harding’s Market, Allegan County Social Services, Gerrit’s Appliances and Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home. (Must be he really enjoyed retirement parties!) Bob was known as a friend to many and was always willing and ready to lend a hand wherever needed.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Wayland Christian Reformed Church, 303 E. Elm St, Wayland, MI 49348. Funeral services will also be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, with visitation from 10-11 a.m., also at Wayland CRC. Pastor Jerry Zandstra will be officiating. Bob will be laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SON-Life Camp and Retreat Center or the Wayland CRC Forward in Faith fund. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookwayland.com in Bob’s online guestbook.
