Ben H. Tanis

Tanis, Ben H. Passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at home. Ben was born June 8, 1951, in Holland, MI the son of Herbert and Sylvia Tanis. He was a Vietnam War veteran serving in the U.S. Navy and graduated from Western Michigan University. Ben retired in November 2011 after a career of teaching woodshop at Parchment Middle School. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and the Michigan Education Association. Ben enjoyed woodworking, especially making gifts for his family and friends, kayaking, canoeing, biking and being in nature. He loved spending time in his community, giving back and sharing his love of woodworking with others. On May 16, 1987, Ben was united in marriage to Christine, who survives. Also surviving are four daughters and 11 grandchildren, Heather and Robbie (River, Kai, Koa and Sunset) Humphreys, Holly (Davis and Dallas) Henderson, Monica and Matt (Aiden and Quinten) Wall, Cate and Lukas (August, Mae and Annie) Pederson; mother, Sylvia Tanis; sister, Crystal (Rich) Matzen; former wife, Goldie Nicholas; and many special family friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Tanis and brother, Nick Tanis. Friends will be received Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 1-3 pm at Parchment Middle School and a private family Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at The Nazareth Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation of St. Joseph, Kindleberger Festival Fund, or plant a tree his honor.