Akle “Ike” Tanuis Jr., 70, of Bethlehem, died peacefully Saturday, July 26, 2008. He was the husband of Joan (Butkus) Tanuis.
Mr. Tanuis was born in Torrington on Feb. 19, 1938. He was a lifelong resident of Bethlehem, attended local schools and graduated from Kaynor Technical School in Waterbury. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed aboard the USS Ranger for 18 months. He also served in the Naval Reserve. He and his wife, Joan, were married Aug. 5, 1961. He was employed at Pratt & Whitney’s Southington plant for 35 years, retiring as a foreman in 1991. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling with his wife to many locations in the U.S., sightseeing and visiting family and friends. He was a former member and past president of the Bethlehem Lions Club where he was instrumental in starting the annual tractor pull.
He liked spending time at his barn restoring antique cars and farm equipment and could be found showing them at local car shows and fairs. He enjoyed music, especially polka, and he loved playing the accordion.
Besides his wife of 46 years, Mr. Tanuis leaves five children, Debra Lukos and her husband, Jay, of Watertown, Michael Tanuis and his wife, Sheri, of Bethlehem, James Tanuis and his wife, Brenda, of Bethlehem, Donna Munson and her husband, Jack, of Bethlehem, David Tanuis and his wife, Linda, of Bethlehem; seven grandchildren, Darlene Tanuis, Michelle Lukos, Vincent and Erica Tanuis, James Tanuis Jr., and Jake and Hannah Munson; three brothers, Harold Tanuis and his wife, Marie, of New Britain, Louis Tanuis of Thomaston, Richard Tanuis and his wife, Sue, of Litchfield; two sisters, Rose Wheeler and her husband, Addison “Shady” Wheeler, of Oakville, Denise Morelli and her husband, John, of Hartford; many friends, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Theodore Tanuis.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at Church of the Nativity, East Street. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with military honors will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery. Friends may call at Hickcox Funeral Home, 195 Main St., Watertown, on Wednesday evening, July 30, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Abbey of Regina Laudis, Flanders Road, Bethlehem 06751; or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
