Carol Jean Tanner

Carol Jean Tanner, 83, of Kalkaska, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026. Carol was born January 24, 1943, in Kalkaska to the late Thaddeus and Irene (Angell) Tanner. She grew up on the Tanner family farm on Sharon Road, where she spent most of her life and where she remained until the day she left her earthly life to join her parents, her sister Sharon, brother-in-law Ed Bandlow, and other loved ones in heaven. The Tanner Farm was the original homestead of Thaddeus Tanner’s grandfather and continues to remain in the Tanner family’s name today. Carol was raised alongside her siblings, Audrey (Harry) King, Alta (Wesley) Beasley, Sharon (Larry) Birgy, Thaddeus John (Martha) Tanner, and Ann (Ed) Bandlow. Growing up in Kalkaska, Carol was crowned Homecoming Queen and was known for her joyful spirit and love of life. Carol was a woman of faith. She was baptized on December 16, 1956, along with her three older sisters at the Kalkaska Church of Christ, which today is the location of the Kalkaska Funeral Home. More than anything, Carol loved her family. Her children, Valerie (Dale) Thornburg, Carla (David Avery) Waite, Danny (Tammy) Woodin, and Ryan Woodin, were the center of her world. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Dustin (Nanci) Dimon, Celsey (Logan) Kline, Cody (Megan) Waite, Dylan Woodin, Emma Woodin, Wyatt Woodin, and Tanner Woodin. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Adrian, Melany, Ian, Corey, Parker, and Cooper, who brought her endless joy. Simply put, her family was her life. Carol will also be remembered for her famous peanut butter fudge. Friends, neighbors, and family eagerly awaited every batch she made, and her fudge became a beloved tradition at the annual Tanner family reunion. Throughout her life, Carol was known as an incredibly hard worker. She worked at Iott’s Potato Farm, Cooley’s, and Traverse Bay Woolen Company, and later served the community through her work at the Kalkaska County Equalization Department until her retirement in 2013. Carol was also gifted at organizing and decorating. She lovingly planned celebrations and created decorations for weddings, birthday parties, and many special events. She enjoyed decorating seasonally at Spencer Church of Christ and spent many years decorating the Christmas tree at the Kalkaska Governmental Center, sharing her festive spirit with the community. Carol will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, creativity, and her heart of gold. A memorial service celebrating Carol’s life will be held on June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kalkaska Funeral Home. A private graveside service will follow at Oliver Township Cemetery. In place of a luncheon, Carol’s family will share a parting memorial gift with those who attend in honor of her life. Carol’s love, warmth, and the many memories she created will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she loved. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Carol Jean Tanner

January 24, 1943 - March 9, 2026