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Dan Tanis
Daniel James Tanis, 74, entered into eternal life on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Dan was born on June 24, 1950, to Burton and Mary Jane (Collins) Tanis. He was raised in Hamlin Township with his older brother Robert and their cousins Sharon, Linda, and Pat, who were more like sisters. On his 15th birthday in 1965 he received his little sister Melinda as the best birthday present.
He grew up hunting and fishing with his dad, brother, and uncles. Of all outdoor sports, Dan loved fishing the most. He was at his happiest on the pier, in a boat, or on the ice in a shanty. And he almost always brought in a big haul. He delighted in teaching his granddaughters to catch panfish. Their favorite time with “Grobby” was spent at the Lake. Later in life Dan enjoyed rising early, getting his Wesco coffee, and parking at the beach or marina, where he visited with the fishermen and gave them expert advice. Not surprisingly, Dan was an active member of the Boat Club.
Dan was a 1968 graduate of Ludington High School and attended West Shore Community College. On April 16, 1971, he was married to Laura Mueller, and she survives.
Dan was a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather and an excellent provider. He learned his strong work ethic from his hard-working parents. He worked for Straits Steel and Wire for nearly 30 years as a marketing manager. There wasn’t a problem that Dan couldn’t solve. He was very much appreciated and respected by his colleagues and customers alike.
After his retirement in 2012, Dan and Laura’s love of animals, especially cats, led them to become volunteers with the newly formed non-profit, Community Cats TNR. Dan became their first president, an office he held until his death. Dan spent countless hours trapping, transporting, and caring for feral cats. He also participated in all of their fundraisers, helping to raise money for the organization.
Dan and Laura enjoyed their long walks together for many years. When Dan could no longer walk great distances, they cruised around town in a golf cart and spent every summer evening driving through the beach, the boat launch, the marina, and downtown. They also loved Sunday afternoons at Dairy Queen, lunch dates at Ponderosa, and Friday night dinners with family and friends.
Dan was baptized into new life in Christ at St. John’s Lutheran Church in 1971. He was confirmed and received Christ’s Body and Blood unto salvation that same day. He served the church for many years as an usher and counter. In his last days, Dan confidently confessed his faith in Christ and belief in the resurrection of the dead. Dan’s family and friends eagerly await their reunion in heaven and plan to head out fishing right away in our transformed resurrected bodies.
He is survived by his wife Laura, daughter Bethany (Jack) Kilcrease, Grand Rapids; son Michael (Lindsey), Huntley, Ill., granddaughters Miriam and Ruth Kilcrease; sister Melinda (Dave) Keller, Lansing, mother-in-law Dolly Mueller, nieces Kelly (Andy) Larr and Kerrie (Mike) Cooper and their families and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Burton and Mary Tanis and his brother Robert Tanis, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Community Cats TNR.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11a.m., Friday, May 9, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church, in Ludington, with Pastor David Goehmann and Pastor Pete Engblade officiating. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of services.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
