Robert "Bob" Tanke was born June 3, 1941 to Lawrence and Elsie (née: Splittstoesser) in Detroit. Bob would graduate Redford High School and then attend Wayne State University (earning a Bachelor's degree in accounting) where he was a member of Delta Chi fraternity. Before graduating college, Bob served in the United States Army where he was a tank gunner (of which the irony of being named Tanke and being a tank gunner was not lost on him). Bob met his future wife Nancy through mutual friends and after one date, announced to his friends, "that's the girl I'm going to marry!" On June 20, 1964 they were married at the East Congregational Church of Grand Rapids.
Bob retired in December of 2000 after a thirty year career at C. A. Hull Inc. located in Walled Lake. Bob's work history included paper routes, Norse's Camera Shop, caddying, working at other accounting firms, but he loved being at C.A. Hull where he was not only a Certified Public Accountant but was the CFO.
In Bob's personal life, there was no question, his life was about making his wife Nancy happy. The daily rose and morning chocolate Hershey's Kiss that he never missed giving to Nancy will be greatly missed!
In addition to Nancy, Bob's life revolved around his children, Lisa Martin and Scott(Whitney)Tanke. He cherished making memories with his granddaughter Emily and she will have those to treasure forever. Holidays were a special time for Bob as they gave him time to enjoy his family. Robert also enjoyed playing or watching golf, traveling to Scotland and Hawaii, playing with his dogs, watching car races (traveling to watch the Indianapolis 500), visiting Hilton Head, being an Indian Guide for his children growing up or coaching their sports teams.
After a long illness, Bob passed away peacefully, Sunday October 21 and will be greatly missed. A private celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date. His cremated remains will be scattered at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan as he requested. Memorials may be made in Bob's memory to Beaumont Hospice.
Laurie Gossett (Randall)
I remember Bob from high school. He was bright and friendly and a gentleman. I am glad to hear of his wonderful family life, and sad to hear of his passing.
Laurie (Gossett) Randall
Alan Lee Tedrick
Alan and Janice send you our prayers for all the Robert Tanke family. Love Alan and Janice Tedrick
Sandra Bentley (Colyer)
Nancy,
I was sorry to learn of Bob's passing recently.....let the wonderful memories fill your heart and in time the hurt will lessen - I know. Now both our Bob's are recalling all the fun times they had from the camera shop...and they got paid!!
I'm thinking of you and hoping that you will be strong.
Sandy Bentley Colyer
Linda Stultz (Tucker)
I thought I'd written here years ago; my mistake. Bob and I had the exact same birthday, and that was always a 'happy laugh' we'd share between us, wondering who was really the oldest! What a nice, nice classmate. I know many have been missing him, including me, as I always recall him on June 3rd. It was fun having a 'mutual' birthday friend.