Glenn S. Tang
With his beloved family around the bedside, Glenn Sylvester Tang, age 71 of Prior Lake, was welcomed into the arms of God on Sunday, June 7, 2015, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, MN.
A time of gathering will be on Wednesday, June 10, from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and also one hour prior to the mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, June 11 at 11 am, at the Church of St. Michael 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Sieg and Deacon Dick Roy will preside. Full military honors will be provided by the Prior Lake American Legion and the V.F.W. Post 6208. Pall bearers will be Justin Tang, Connor Tang, Nicholas Malz, Elizabeth Malz, Robert Roe and Merl Krautkramer. Glenn will be laid to rest at a private family service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
In Fargo, North Dakota on August 31, 1943, Clarence and Delores (Willcutt) Tang announced the birth of Glenn, who was the third of six children. Growing up in Moorhead, MN, his favorite past time was fishing, fishing and more fishing. Due to Glenn’s mother’s allergies, he became quite a talented baker. He also followed in his father’s footsteps and learned the craft of wood working, which he carried throughout his life. In later years, Glenn enjoyed creating masterpieces of angels, race cars, doll houses, piggy banks and so many other wonderful creations.
Glenn graduated from Moorhead High School in 1962 and three months later on September 10, 1962, he enlisted into the United States Army. After serving one year, Glenn’s name appeared on the list to be shipped over to Germany. He immediately came home and one week later, Glenn married his high school sweetheart, Anita Thorson on August 24, 1963 in Lake Park, MN. For the next two years, he was in Germany, while she worked in Moorhead. Glenn was honorably discharged on August 12, 1965. Shortly thereafter, Glenn and Anita welcomed the first of three children, Michael, followed by two daughters, Michelle and Debi.
For 46 years, Glenn and Anita called Prior Lake their home. As a family they enjoyed the outdoors, camping, taking road trips to see relatives in Fargo and Moorhead and exploring the sights to and from Billings, MT. They too loved spending quality time at the grandparent’s cabins and we can’t forget about all the fishing excursions too. Glenn was proud of his children, but it was the grandchildren that brought him much joy, especially the birth of his only granddaughter, Elizabeth.
Devoted to his community, Glenn served 20 years (1975-1995) on the Prior Lake Fire Department, as an EMT. He loved being able to help many close friends in difficult times, through the years. Glenn was also involved in the American Legion Honor Guard, serving several times as Commander. In earlier years, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Glenn started off his working career as a mail carrier for the Burnsville Post Office, until having some back issues. He then worked at a parts store, driving school bus and for many years cleaned the Prior Lake V.F.W.
Glenn could regularly be seen sporting his yellow yard stick suspenders. He was a very caring and giving man, who always had your best interest in mind. Left to honor Glenn’s life and sadly miss him is wife of almost 52 years, Anita; children, Michael (Karen) Tang, Michelle (Steve) Alexander, Debi (Jeff) Malz; grandchildren, Justin (fiancé Olivia) Tang, Connor Tang, Nicholas Malz, Elizabeth Malz; siblings, Donald (Esther) Tang, Pat (Gaye) Tang, David Tang, Debbie (Dave) Armstrong; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Glenn was welcomed into heaven by his parents; sister, Rosie (Wally) Oberlander.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Tang family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
