David Tank

David was a deeply loved and admired creative spirit, a true renaissance man. He passed away unexpectedly at home in Rhinelander on September 9, 2026 after tending his family’s forest land at Planert Creek in Enterprise. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather.

Born on December 4, 1950 to his parents Merle and Howard Tank, David grew up in Fond du Lac, where he developed a lifelong love for music, nature, art, and family. He studied church work at Concordia College in Milwaukee and Saint Paul, and completed graduate studies in journalism at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He worked professionally as a journalist, editor, public relations specialist, and he taught writing and mass communication at UW-Stout.

He was an accomplished musician, songwriter, author, photographer, woodworker, craftsman, and journalist. His projects are far too numerous to list, and he began every project with a clear vision and saw each idea through to its finish. He was recently particularly proud of his hand-carved artistic guitars and his latest series of mystery novels set in the Wisconsin Northwoods. He loved sharing his talents and passions with his family and loved ones, and was a constant inspiration to all who knew him.

David is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Merle, his step-father Allen Kleinhans, and his second wife Kathy. He is survived by his wife Vickie; his first wife Diane; his siblings Ron (Maryann Welker), Rick (Kathy), and Lori (Ken); his children Hilary (Joey) and Damien; and his stepchildren Emily (Robert), Keith (Sara), John (Samantha), and Stephanie (Matthew). His memory will live on in his grandchildren Lincoln, London, Eamonn, Desmond, Shea, Penelapea, Silas, Steven, Annabelle, Chase, Addison, Calen, and Claire.

A memorial event will be held on October 3 at 1 p.m. at the Enterprise Community Building where we will all have an opportunity to share our memories, talents, and love. David will be deeply missed and forever remembered. You may leave your private condolences for the Tank family at www.carlsonfh.com The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Tank family.