Harold Tanner

Harold Edwin Tanner, 92, of Arlee, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at St. Luke Nursing Home in Ronan.

Harold was born on April 4, 1923, in Pinele to Edi and Julia Tanner. As a young man he lived with his family on their homestead.

At a very young age Harold and a friend hopped on a freight train and ended up finding a place in Arlee to call home, where he started his life as a pea farmer.

Arlee is where Harold met and married his life time love and companion, Viola (Doney) Tanner on Sept. 12, 1943. They were married for 71 1/2 years, when she passed away.

Harold was a very skilled carpenter, millwright, farmer and rancher. All who knew him would say he was the most honest and kindest gentleman they met.

In 1943, Harold was called to serve his country, where he served overseas with the United States Army in World War II. After returning from the war, on Jan. 10, 1945, Harold and Viola gave birth to their only child, Rex Ray Tanner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edi and Julia Tanner; brothers, Asher, Basil, Harry and Carmel Tanner; sisters, Geraldine Tanner and Geneva Samples; granddaughter Lindie Vanek and her sons, Nate and Ben Vanek and a special nephew, Harley Tanner.

Survivors are his sister, Ruby Frericks of Frenchtown; son Rex (Peggy) Tanner of Missoula; grandson Rick (Shevawn) Tanner and their children, Trinity, Destiny and Caleb Tanner of California; great-grandsons, Zach, Chris, Nick and Jaeger Vanek of Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Shirley Tanner and Dorothy Douglas; brother-in-law Gordan Doney and numerous nieces and nephews; along with and extended family, Darla, Sherry, Caren and Jack and their entire families.

A graveside service with military honors, will be held at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 1911 Tower St. Missoula, MT 59804, on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. A reception will immediately follow at Garden City Funeral Home.


Read Harold Tanner's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.