Ed Tanner

Edward John Tanner, age 80, of Little Falls, MN passed away suddenly on December 15, 2015 in Chandler, AZ.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11 AM First United Church in Little Falls.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 13, 2016 from 4-8 PM at the Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls, with a prayer service at 7:30 PM, followed by a time of sharing. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ed was born on August 25, 1935 at St. Gabriels Hospital in Little Falls to E.K. (Keith) and Viola Tanner. He attended grade school at Washington School and then continued his schooling until he graduated with the class of 1953. After attending Gustavus Adolphus College he returned to Little Falls and worked at the Dairy Queen. A few years later he purchased the business from his parents, which remained in the Tanner family for 50 years.

In November of 1965 he married Lucy (Murphy) Tanner at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fisher, MN. Their son, Jerry was born in 1975.

Being involved in the community was important to him. While in high school he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and had the opportunity to attend two national jamborees. He was a 50 year member of the Little Falls Lions and a former member of the Little Falls Jaycees. Some of the organizations he supported were: Morrison County Historical Society, St. Gabriels Hospital Auxiliary, Linden Hill Convention Center, First United Church, Heartland Symphony, and Little Falls Convention Visitors Bureau. He was one of the members on the steering committee to build the Exchange Arena. He was a member of the Big Birch Lake Association, Masons, and Zuhrah Shriners.

Ed was a charter member of the Lone Eagles Auto Club, as well as a member of the Midstate Jeepsters and Antique Auto Club of America. In September of 2015 he completed 50 consecutive years of Annual Fall Foliage Runs sponsored by Minnesota Region of AACA.

Ed also was a member of The Little Falls Sno-Dogs. He enjoyed snowmobiling locally and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Yellowstone National Park. He enjoyed volunteering, traveling, and taking care of his lawn.

Ed is survived by his wife, Lucy; son, Jerry (Tina) of Roseville, MN; grandson, Bobby; granddaughter, Zoe; brothers-in-law, Robert Dwyer of Holland, MI, Jim (Betty) Murphy of Crookston, MN; sisters-in-law, Sister Pat Murphy of CSJ, Crookston, MN, Betty Flatt of Sheldon, ND; many nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Keith Viola; sister, Martha Tanner Dwyer; nephew, Michael Dwyer; nieces, Jean Dwyer Tisser, Lisa Murphy; and brother-in-law, Jim Flatt.

Memorials may be directed to First United Church, Morrison County Historical Society, or the donors choice.