Larry Dennis Tanneberg, Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Wheat Farmer and Avid Aviator, passed away on his family farm at the age of 81, in Coulee City Washington, on Monday, January 29, 2024.
Born September 5, 1942 to Elmo & Vesta Tanneberg in Wilbur Washington; Larry graduated in 1960 from Coulee City High School where he played on the football and baseball teams. In September of 1960, Larry joined the United States Marine Corps, where he was awarded the “Rifle Marksman Badge” and “Good Conduct Medal.” Following his honorable discharge from active duty in 1963, Lance Corporal Larry D. Tanneberg served with the “United States Marine Corps Reserve” for an additional six years.
On November 26, 1966, Larry’s life was forever changed when he married Marilyn Scheibner at Coulee City Presbyterian Church. A third generation farmer, Larry was never happier than when he was close to the soil, raising wheat. “Eltan Wheat” which is considered the benchmark by which other strains of soft white winter wheat are measured, was developed and named after Larry’s father “EL”mo + “TAN”neberg. Larry was overjoyed to see his family’s land and love of farming passed on to his children, grandchildren and hopefully great-grandchildren.
Larry went on to complete his BA Degree from Central Washington University. Among his many community involvements, he was a board member at Coulee City Assembly of God Church, a board member at the local Co Op, a 50 year member of the “St. Andrews Grange,” and a supporter of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. Larry proudly served for 28 years on the board of directors of the “Grange Insurance Association.”
Larry loved piloting his own plane. He held private and commercial pilot certifications and had been a flight instructor in the past. When not at home talking to others over his HAM radio “WA7MAI” or enjoying his collection of antique and modern metal toys, Larry loved traveling with Marilyn in their RV.
Larry “Knew Everybody.” He loved getting to know people and was never forgotten, by those he met. His greatest joy though was time spent with his ever-growing family.
Predeceased by both of his parents; Larry’s legacy lives on through his constant companion and loving wife of 57 years: Marilyn Tanneberg; daughters: Julie Dingman (Russell) and Kristie Silva (Arnold); grandchildren: Marcus Dingman (Emily), John Dingman (Kammi), Austin Dingman (Lindsey), Emma Done (Joe), Christian Silva (Tessa), Isabel Silva and Eliana Silva; great-grandchildren: Elliot Dingman, Willa Dingman, Kai Dingman, Olly Dingman, Briar Done, Mildred Dingman and Danielle Dingman; brother: Jerry Tanneberg (Lynn); sister: Colleen Long (Don) and numerous nephews and nieces.
A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, February 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Danish Cemetery, St. Andrews Road and Road 5 NE, Coulee City, WA. Following the graveside service, a memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM at Coulee City Assembly of God Church, 205 W. Douglas, Coulee City, WA.
A strong supporter of research to improve the quality and productivity of wheat, Larry’s family asks that memorial donations in his memory be made to the “Washington Wheat Foundation”, PO Box 252, Ritzville, WA 99169, (509) 659-1987, or online at https://wawheat.org/fundraising
Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is caring for his family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratefuneral.com for the Tanneberg family.
