Chris Thomas Tanner

Chris Thomas Tanner, 72, of Springport, Michigan, passed away on August 17, 2023, at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital.

Chris was born in Albion, Michigan, on April 26, 1951, to the late Robert and Evelyn (Heisler) Tanner. He graduated from Albion High School and attended Olivet College. On July 13, 1974, he was united in marriage with Mary Michele Masternak. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Chris worked in farming all his life. He and his brother Tom co-owned and operated Tanner’s Farm along with their wives, venturing into Tanner’s Tamarack Farm with his wife Michele and their two sons, Bob and Tim. He was a seed dealer with Dekalb/Asgrow for thirty-four years. He was a Calhoun County 4-H Swine Leader for many years. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Albion, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife, Michele, enjoyed dancing, traveling, and taking long country drives in their Jeep and on their scooters, and watching their children and grandchildren grow up. He was a self-taught power parachute pilot. He enjoyed playing fast pitch softball all the way until the age of 65 and coached on many levels. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Duck Lake Country Club. He enjoyed hunting, both locally and visiting destinations such as Colorado. Chris was a pillar in the community. He had a natural gift for conversation and made a tremendous impact on all who knew him. He was a dog lover, and his dogs loved him equally.

Chris is survived by his loving wife of forty-nine years Mary Michele Tanner; children, Nicole Tanner Kelly, Robert (Ashlee) Tanner, and Timothy (Lauren Konkle) Tanner; nine grandchildren, Emma Tanner, Carson Kelly, Claire Kelly, Connor Kelly, Cole Kelly, Gage Tanner, Gavin Tanner, Madelynn Tanner, Tessa Tanner; two sisters and one brother, Linda (Paul) Benden, Susie (Chet) Zerbe, and Thomas (Cindy) Tanner; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A Rosary Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Following the Rosary Service, friends may visit with the family at the funeral home until 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 1020 Irwin Ave, Albion, MI 49224, with Fr. Joseph Gray officiating. Following the Mass, a graveside service will take place at Clarence Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to S.A.F.E. (Springport Area Foundation for Education) or St. John the Evangelist Parish. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave condolences to the family.