Obituary: Robert Tanis, 76, of Ludington

Bob Tanis

Robert “Bob” John Tanis, 76, of Ludington, passed away Sunday August 18, 2024.  Bob was born October 13, 1947, the son of Burton and Mary (Collins) Tanis. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1965.

On August 22, 1987, Bob married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Crozier-Tanis. He worked for Consumers Energy for 38 years as a lineman in charge and retired in 2008.

Bob was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was proud of his service to our country and learned to deal with what he endured and suffered while in Vietnam. One thing he never forgot was how poorly he and all the other veterans were treated when they returned home. It was especially hard when he was treated badly by his family and not just the public. Bob was able to get past it and loved to proudly march in the Memorial Day parades in Ludington each year.

Bob was known as “Bobber Bob” by two girls/ladies that he has known for over 25 years. He calls them his “adopted daughters”, Lyndsay Stakenas-Earl and Whitney Tetzlaff-Nixdorf, and they are now considered family. Other kids he knew called him “Bubbles” because he entertained them with bottle’s of bubbles.

Bob was an avid fisherman. In any season his best days started out driving to Copeyon Park and checking out the fishing activity there. He would either fish there or drive to other local fishing spots, whether it be Ludington, Pentwater, or Manistee hoping to catch his limit, or at least enough for a meal. Many times, Bob would share his catch with friends who appreciated his generosity. Sharing fishing tales with fellow fishermen was one of his favorite pastimes.

Bob was a very active volunteer within the community. Among the list of organizations, he would share his time with included Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hospitality INC, and HELP Ministry. Bob also played Santa Claus at Christmas, babysat for MOPS and Women’s Bible Study, helped with VBS and taught junior church to 3–4-year-olds, mowed the church lawn for over ten years, and was always available to lend a helping hand.

Bob sustained major internal injuries that ultimately led to his passing while volunteering mowing the lawn at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Bob’s wife, Pat, was by his side when he passed, along with two wonderful, lifelong friends, Nancy and Dan Bradshaw.

Bob will be dearly missed by his two chihuahua’s, Peanut and Mia. He was preceded in death by his parents.

As per Bob’s request, he has been cremated and there will be no funeral service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.oakgroveludington.com.