Michael Tanner

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Wayne Tanner on February 4, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many, Michael left a mark on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Michael was born in Rupert, Idaho to Owen Wayne Tanner and Evelyn Smith. He had three brothers and one sister and told many stories of a simple and happy childhood. He was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and it was the foundation of his life. In his younger years, his adventurous spirit led him to serve in the Air Force, where he was assigned to Intelligence and was trained in code decryption. This experience was fondly referred to as “Spy School” by Michael as he shared these stories with his children and grandchildren through the years. He was a business owner and printer by trade as he raised his family in Fresno, California. He used his talents and eye for detail to provide services to his community and surrounding businesses. He was famous for making lunches for his employees every single day!

His faith was central to his life and the lodestar to everything else; he daily feasted from the scriptures and the words of the prophets. He cherished his time spent in the Oakland, Fresno and Mt. Timpanogos temples as both patron and temple worker. He had a deep love for genealogy and temple ordinances,and he and Lois traveled the country doing genealogical research and meeting distant relatives to make connections to his ancestors. He also made a profound impact during his missionary and humanitarian work. Along with his beloved wife, Lois, he served a mission in the Temple Department for the Church,and a full-time mission in the beautiful landscapes of Nova Scotia, Canada. Both experiences were incredibly fulfilling and brought him great joy as he served and loved those with whom he had stewardship.

Those who knew Michael understand that he devoted his life to the service of others. Taking care of
others was the guiding purpose of his life. From driving refugees to church services, filling care packages for the church humanitarian department, and helping lift burdens of family and neighbors, to helping with home repairs, baking goodies, and riding his bike around the neighborhood to help. He would even bring seat cushions to church each week for anyone who needed a soft seat. As much as he loved serving others, Michael found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a frequent baker, delighted family and friends with homemade meals, grew a garden, and had a constant stream of easy listening music in his home morning until night. He was a handyman and constructed many useful items for his home, and he always fulfilled Lois’ honey-do list!

Michael was a singular and faithful soul and his presence in our lives will be dearly missed. However, we know he is at rest and is enjoying countless sweet reunions with loved ones as he looks forward to his continued work beyond the veil.

He is survived by his loving children: Michael Steven (Lisa) Tanner, Susan Tanner, Jeffrey (Sandra) Tanner, Christine (Donald) Williams, Laurie Ann Tanner Bortness, Lisa (Stephen) Owens, and Jared(Kristin) Leonard. His legacy will continue through his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Michael was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Lois, his first wife, Glenyce, his parents, and three of his beloved children: Shawn, Darin, and Jason. He also joins his siblings Ronald, Delilah, Lawrence, and Eldon, and two of his dear grandchildren, Seandra and Elijah, in eternal rest.

A graveside service will be held to honor Michael's life on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the American Fork Cemetery. We invite all who knew and loved him to come together to reflect on his extraordinary life. There will also be a viewing at the Anderson & Sons Mortuary from 9:45 a.m until10:45 a.m. for family and friends to pay respects.