Elwin J. Tanner, 75, of Rochester, MN, died Saturday, January 5 while visiting his son and family in Iowa.  Elwin was born August 18, 1943 in Queensland, Australia to Doyle and Gladys Tanner.  He grew up in Austin, MN with his brother Kenneth, and sisters Linda, Joyce and Pat.

He graduated from John Pershing College in Nebraska with a degree in Psychology.  On July 30, 1966, he married Marlyce Hanson in Dent, MN.  Through this union he was blessed with additional in-laws, including Arlan, Duane, Ben and Judy.  The couple raised their two children in Rochester where Elwin was employed at Textile Care Services.

Survivors include his daughter, Penny (Vincent) Garity; son, Kevin (Shannon) Tanner; and his grandchildren, Tanner, Nathaniel and Colton Garity, and Elizabeth and Andrew Tanner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Molly in 2000; and granddaughter, Molly Jane Tanner in 2003.

Elwin loved coaching his children's activities as they grew up, and enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren's various activities over the years.  He was an avid Twins, Gophers and Vikings fan and treasured every moment sharing these passions with his family.

Elwin put God and family above all else, and was the true definition of a compassionate and caring human being.

The funeral Mass for Elwin John Tanner will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 12 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester with Father Kevin Connelly officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30-1:30, with a Rosary at 12:15 at the church preceding the funeral. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you so desire, memorials may be directed to either of the following:

The Molly Jane Tanner Blanket Memorial in honor of Elwin's grand-baby.

Funds may be directed to  St. Luke's Healthcare Foundation and mailed in care of

Shannon Tanner, 4302 Roxbury Dr. NW, Cedar Rapids IA 52405

or

Breast Cancer Research through the Mayo Clinic Foundation using the following link:

https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org