Lonnie Lee Michael Tanck, age 71, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, WI, while surrounded by his loving family. Lonnie was born on March 3, 1952 to the late Alvin and Joyce (Heinz) Tanck in Wausau, WI. He attended and graduated from Wausau High School. Lonnie met the love of his life and best friend, Darlene “Dolly” Bosi, and the two exchanged marriage vows on April 17, 1971 in Merrill, a loving union lasting 52 years. She survives.
Lonnie worked for the SOO Line Railroad for many years and was the foreman of the bridge and build crew in Wisconsin and Illinois, a job he was very proud of. He also worked for Marathon Electric for many years. Lonnie was a skilled carpenter and helped many family members and friends with their building projects. He enjoyed woodworking and made many pieces over the years, something his family will now cherish. Family and fishing were the most important things in Lonnie’s life. He was very involved with his family and fishing was his passion. Lonnie knew all the good fishing spots and the best lures to use. He was in multiple bass clubs and attended many tournaments. He also liked food, especially being able to grill and smoke meat. Lonnie looked forward to hunting as well, or just sit down and enjoy some old westerns. He is remembered as a reliable person that always had your back, a great father and husband, goofy and fun and most important; the rock of the family. Lonnie was truly a “manly man”! He will be sadly missed, but will always be with his family and friends.
Lonnie is survived by his step-mother: Anna Tanck, wife: Darlene “Dolly” Tanck, daughters: Toni Smith (Corey Wilk) and Brenda (Brian) Burkhardt, grandchildren: Brittany (Christian) Steinke, Logan Smith, Vanessa Smith and Matthew and Elizabeth Burkhardt, great grandchildren: Ava, Marjorie and River, sisters: Gail (Terry) Glisch and Glenda (Terry) Modrzejewski. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father: Alvin Goetsch.
The funeral liturgy for Lonnie will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, WI. Father Maria Vallabhaneni will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the liturgy, also at the funeral home. Entombment will immediately follow the service and take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. A luncheon at the Northwoods Veterans Post, 601 Johnson St, Merrill, WI 54452, will follow the entombment.
In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Lonnie’s name be directed to the Fish & Wildlife Service at https://www.fws.gov/program/national-wildlife-refuge-system.
A special thank you to the staff of the Howard Young ICU for their care and compassion shown to Lonnie and his family during his time there. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.