Darrel Dean Tanke

Darrel Dean Tanke, 78, passed away February 15, 2018, at his home in Hillsboro, Ore. Darrel was born in Odessa to Walter and Elsa (Roth) Tanke on July 15, 1939. Along with his older sister and brother, Darrel was raised on the family wheat farm at Mohler, Wash. He attended Harrington schools, graduating from Harrington High School in 1957.

After graduation, Darrel enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving three years. He was honorably discharged in 1960. After the service, he attended Washington State University and Eastern Washington University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in accounting.

Darrel had several careers, including accounting and construction in Phoenix and in Spokane. In the early 1990s, he moved to Oregon and started driving buses for TriMet.

He enjoyed the outdoors, watching TV, raising tomatoes and riding motorcycles, but he will always be remembered for his love of flying and crazy adventures flying ultralight aircraft.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his friend and ex-wife Barb Tanke, sister Lorna (and Roger) Williams, and brother Glenn (and Eileen) Tanke. He is remembered fondly by his five nephews and three nieces and their families.

A memorial service will be held March 17 at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hillsboro.