Earle C. "Pete" Tanner
August 21, 1911 ~ October 30, 2015
Earle C. “Pete” Tanner, age 104, of Gettysburg, passed away Friday, October 30, 2015 at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel presiding. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 6, 2015 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.
Earle Clayton Tanner was born August 21, 1911, to John and Mary (Clark) Tanner in White Lake, SD. The youngest of thirteen, he was only two years old when his family moved to Potter County and settled in Lincoln Township. Earle attended the Maucher School for much of his education, but also spent a couple years at the Gettysburg school. After completing eighth grade, Earle returned to work on the farm.
On August 20, 1937, Earle married Mildred “Bee” Louise Kammer in Gettysburg, SD. They made their home on the Tanner farmstead, and to this union, six children were born. Earle and Mildred’s farmstead joined the Century Farm Club in 2014, with Earle having lived on the farm all 100 years.
Throughout the years, Earle took over his father’s threshing crew, farmed, ranched, and ran a poultry business. He and his brother, Howard, raised award-winning turkeys that were shown in turkey shows in a three-state area. During his life, Earle was an active member in the community. He worked for the WPA building roads and dams in the 1930s, served on the school board, was a director for the Federal Land Bank, served as president of the Appomattox Community Club, was a 4-H leader for the Appomattox Go-Getters, and was a member of the United Methodist Church. Earle and Mildred attended and hosted many barn dances with friends, and community club was always a highlight of the weekends. Earle was a talented woodworker who, with Mildred’s painting skills, made many special gifts for family and friends. In his later years, Earle enjoyed reading the daily newspaper, watching food shows, Lawrence Welk, baseball, bird watching, local history, keeping up on the latest farming and ranching trends, and going to town on Saturday. Earle thoroughly enjoyed people and conversation. He had a personality and love for life that remains unmatched.
Earle is survived by his wife of 78 years, Mildred; six children, Donald (Tonya) Tanner of Gettysburg; Shirley (Joe) Warfel of Custer, SD; Delores (the late Larry) Larrington of Wilber, NE; Mary (Kermit) Wager of Gettysburg; Jacqueline (Loren) Ritter of Aberdeen, SD; Ronnie (Lila) Tanner of Gettysburg; twenty-one grandchildren; thirty-seven great grandchildren; seventeen great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Earle was preceded in death by his parents, his twelve brothers and sisters, one son-in-law, one grandson, two great grandchildren, his mother and father-in-law, and one brother-in-law.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Pete’s arrangements.
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A very special person. Certainly a great loss. My deepest sympathy to the entire Tanner family. You Are all very special!
Big Loss for your Family. My thoughts are with all of you.
Pete was a memorable man, always full of vim and vigor!! Always had a bright outlook and showmanship. Pete will be missed!! Mal & Bernadine
Sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family
It was always a very special time when we could travel to South Dakota for a visit to Uncle Pete’s farm. What an extraordinary life Great Uncle Pete had. We will miss him. Our love and prayers go out to the family. May God keep you in his care.
Rest in peace – Pete. To all my SD family, a great man had a great life. He will be missed. Thinking of all of you. Love Kenny
Tanner Family-my sincere condolences to you. You were blessed to have your dad with you for so long. My dad, Buster Larson, has been gone for 32 years. Life treats us all differently. Celebrate your dad’s life with tears, laughs and good stories.
Our Deepest Sympathy to the Entire Extended Tanner Family, after knowing Jackie almost 40 years ,I feel like I know all of You. God Bless each and every one of You at this time. Let God hold You in His Hand and He will take care of You, With Love ,Peace and Prayers, John H. and Toni G.
Pete was one of a kind. We have many fond memories of Pete and Bee going to pool tournaments, especially Vegas, cheering us on. He always got a big smile on his face when the boys from Gettysburg would beat the big city players. Our thoughts and best wishes go out Bee, Don and the entire Tanner Family.
Delores, kids, and Tanner family, Our sincerest sympathy in the loss of your beloved father. I know you will miss him greatly and have so many memories to treasure from having him with you for as long as you did. They will carry you through the days and months ahead as you grieve his loss. You’re in our prayers. Sending our hugs and love, Steve & Judy
I was sorry to hear about the passing of Pete Tanner. My father, Herman Stroh, was born and raised in Gettysburg and he along with his 10 siblings all grew up with and knew Pete. I had the great pleasure of meeting Pete twice on his farm. Once with my dad in 1973 and again with my aunt Milly and cousin DeLoris Swanson in 1995. I have great memories of these visits. RIP Pete, and best wishes to his family.