Leonard R. Tanner

Leonard R. "Tanner" Tanner, 66, of Jefferson, SD passed away Tuesday, December 17th, 2013 at a local hospital. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.meyerbroschapels.com. Tanner was born September 11th, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas the son of Robert and Marie (Gustavson) Tanner. He enlisted in the Army when he was 17 and was part of the 173rd Airborne, serving in Vietnam from May 1966 until May 1967. Tanner married Robin Willer on August 4th, 2000 in Elk Point, SD. He enjoyed his work as a Superintendent for John Morrell for 16 years, Tanner loved to fish and enjoyed woodworking, but most of all he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He could often be found cruising in his Ranger around Miner's Bend with his "boys" Poncho and Oreo visiting neighbors. Tanner is survived by his wife Robin Tanner; sons: Robert Tanner of Wichita, KS, Dusty and wife Melissa Tanner of Lenexa, KS, and Tommy Tanner and fiancé Jean Kratz of Sioux City; step daughter Kristi and husband Charles Jackson of Applegate, CA; seven grandchildren: Aspen, Madalen, and Landen Tanner, Jevin Kratz, Marcus and Alicia Jackson, and T.J. Tanner; brother Ronnie Ewing of Winona, MN; two sisters: Rhonda Pickler of Fayetteville, NC and Patty Dean of Goff, KS; and his beloved Shih Tzus Poncho and Oreo. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his step-father Clyde Ewing. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Tim Graves, Terry Graves, Dave Irwin, Mike Ruble, Saul Marin, Les Jensen, and Reed Burson. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be immediately following the funeral service at the Elks Lodge #112, 1001 Tri-View Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51103.