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Obituary: Warren Charles Tank

Oct. 13, 1933 – June 12, 2019

Warren Charles Tank, 85, of Sturgeon Bay and formerly of Baileys Harbor, died at Anna’s Healthcare CBRF, where he had been living for the past year.

He was born in Chicago, the son of Charles William Tank and Myrtle Tecla (Peterson) Tank. Warren was a graduate of Steinmetz High School in Chicago. Following in his father’s footsteps, he initially worked for Weil Pump. Warren eventually went on to work for Pesco Pump. He married Joyce Albina Kovanda in Illinois, and they were blessed with two daughters and a son. He was united in marriage to Patricia Amber Nelson on August 3, 1983, in Woodridge, Illinois. They shared more than 32 years of marriage. Warren began his own pump-repair business with his wife Patricia, Ill Pump (Illinois Pump), and owned and operated it until his retirement.

Up until almost five years ago, Warren enjoyed spending time throughout the year in Baileys Harbor, Illinois and Florida. He loved being on the water — boating in Lake Michigan and playing with water toys with friends and family. Warren also liked scuba diving and taught his son and grandchildren how to scuba dive.

He was a member of the local Lions Club in Illinois for more than 30 years and helped to sell Christmas trees in addition to volunteering for other causes the club supported. He was recognized for his 30 years of service. Warren helped start the Gagewood Packers, a youth football team in Gages Lake, Illinois. He was a proud blood donor. Warren built several homes for his parents and his own family over the years.

While living in Baileys Harbor, he attended Immanuel Lutheran Church. He enjoyed going to the Yum Yum Tree with family and friends. He always enjoyed talking to the tourists who were on their way to see Cana Island Lighthouse. Warren loved his dogs over the years and often had anywhere from two to five at home with him in any given year. He especially loved spending time with family and friends. Warren will be remembered for all the things he did that put smiles on people’s faces.

He will be missed by his two children, Sharon Tank of Baileys Harbor and Eric Tank of Muskego; five stepchildren, Richard Marks of Chicago, Cherie (Bill) Krejci of Port Washington, Ron (Cindy) Marks of Lombard, Illinois, Nancy (Dr. Melvin) Wichter of Hinsdale, Illinois, and Bud Marks of Chicago; former wife, Patricia Amber Marks of Oak Brook, Illinois; first wife, Joyce Boyd; grandson, Danny Tank; seven step-grandchildren, Rana Marks, Rob (Tatiana) Krejci, Tim (Eden) Krejci, and Kate (fiancé, Dmitry Spiridonov) Krejci, Sarah (Nate) Sullivan, Ron Marks, Nick Marks; other relatives; and dear friends.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Susan (Robert) Clare; daughter-in-law, Maureen Tank; granddaughter, Lauren Tank; sister, Myrtle (Bob) Ubrick; and other relatives.

His life will be honored with a memorial service held at 11:30 am on Sunday, June 30, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor, with Pastor Sue Gunderson officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family after the service at church.

“Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Anna’s Healthcare for their compassionate care given to Warren while he was living there.”

Huehns Funeral Home and Door County Crematory in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Tank family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Warren may be shared through his tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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