John Tangen

John G. Tangen, 76, of Dorchester died Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services were held Monday, October 23 at Big Canoe Lutheran Church with Pastor Kurt Bockoven officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery, both in rural Decorah.

John Gary Tangen was born September 15, 1941 in Waukon, the son of John Elder and Myrtle Aletta (Gavle) Tangen. He was baptized and confirmed at Big Canoe Lutheran Church in rural Decorah. John attended Hanover Country School and Waukon High School.

April 22, 1961, he married JoAnn Phyllis Johnson at Forest Mills United Methodist Church in rural Postville. They farmed together in Hanover Township in rural Waukon. John also worked at Iowa Turkey Products in Postville and in the meat department at Quillin's in Waukon.

John was a member of Big Canoe Lutheran Church, NFO and NRA. He enjoyed racoon hunting, deer hunting, telling stories, playing his guitar, singing, working in his garden and taking care of his yard. John loved spending time with his family and spending time in the outdoors.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, JoAnn Tangen of Dorchester, his children: Michael (Nancy) Tangen of West Chicago, IL, Nanette Tangen of Chicago, IL, Rachel Tangen of La Crosse, WI and Jeremy (Tom Yang) Tangen of La Crosse, WI; three grandchildren: John Michael (Michelle Boyster) Tangen of West Chicago, IL and Corey James Tangen of West Chicago, IL; a brother, Gordon (Sandra) Tangen of Dorchester; and a sister, Janet (Dave) Starr of Seattle, WA. He is preceded in death by his parents; two infant daughters, Sarah and Amy Tangen; and a sister, Mary Jean Sivesind.

Honorary casketbearers were John Aide, Joe Gallagher, Wayne Johnson, Pete Statler, Don McGraw and Jim McCormick. Casketbearers were Doug Tangen, Greg Tangen, Todd Frossmo, Mark Howe, Richard Johnson, Robert Johnson, John Michael Tangen and Corey James Tangen.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.