David Tanck

David G. Tanck, 77, of Rib Mountain, passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at his home with his wife and daughters at his side.

David was born in Wausau on December 17, 1943, to the late Raymond and Norma (Wergin) Tanck. On June 24, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Sherry Holtz at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (UCC). They were married for 53 years and enjoyed nights out at the Elks Lodge (where he was a life-long member), trips to visit their daughters, and good times spent up north on Lake Tomahawk.

David was a Vietnam veteran after honorably serving in the US Army. He was discharged after being seriously injured by hostile fire, while he and a fellow soldier were attempting to get a fellow soldier to the helicopter who had been mortally wounded. David was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, and the Silver Star Medal for his acts of bravery and heroism. In 2018, David experienced the privilege of joining other veterans on a Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his eldest, daughter Kim.

David held various jobs after the service but is best known for his 35+ year career with the City of Wausau, first as an engineer and then as the Property Inspector. To many, David was best known to be seen smoking cigars as he kept meticulous watch of the city’s sidewalks, properties, and construction projects.

Providing insightful advice to his daughters, The Milwaukee Brewers, a good old fashion (or “old funny”) with all the garbage, sauerkraut, and documenting the daily weather report were some of the things David really enjoyed in life. His family was never surprised when he came home with a new boat or ATV from M&J Sports or a new car from Brickners. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren and building and flying model airplanes and helicopters with the RC Sports Club in Wausau.

However, his happiest days were spent up north at Indian Shores in Woodruff, WI for over 29 years. He would tell his family that they missed the best part of the day if they slept-in, as he enjoyed early morning cruises on Lake Tomahawk in his favorite in-board and catching the campground happenings during morning coffee at the boathouse.

David is survived by his wife, Sherry; daughters, Kimberly Tanck, Heather (Timothy) Grace and Heidi (Eric) Presteen; grandchildren, Storm, Isabella, Lauren, and Carter; brothers-in-law, Peter Philipp, and Richard Holtz; as well as many cousins.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his twin sister, Darlene.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 14, 2021, at St. Paul’s UCC, 426 Washington Street. Services will be live-streamed. Pastor Phil Schneider will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:00 am until the time of services at the church. Casual attire is preferred. Family and friends can go to www.brainardfuneral.com to leave words of remembrance and online condolences.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the caregivers from both TLC Home Care and Aspirus Hospice and Comfort Care.

The family prefers memorials, in lieu of flowers, directed to the Elk’s Lodge, 414 Scott St, Attn: Dave Tanck Fund, Wausau, WI  54403 or the Never Forgotten Honor Flight  https://neverforgottenhonorflight.com/donate/