He was born July 5, 1964 in DeKalb to Robert and Irene (Taylor) Tanke.  He married Patricia Thorsen on January 25, 2014.

Robert was employed as a mechanic for Ford Automotive for over 25 years.

He loved to spend time with his son, Joe and never missed a single sports activity that he played in.  They shared a yearly vacation over the years, which was a special time for both of them.

In his younger years, Robert liked to ride Harley Davidson's. He enjoyed guns, loved animals (would rescue dogs from shelters- like his pet dog, Butkus), would always enjoy a cup of McDonald's coffee and their iced tea and was a avid baseball card collector.  Every year around the 4th of July and his birthday, he would celebrate with a trip to Colorado.  He will be dearly missed by his loving family and many dear friends.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; his son, Joe; two brothers, Mark (Lienna) Tanke and William (Diane) Tanke; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private Celebration of Life will be on Saturday.  Memorial donations and cards can be made to the family and sent to the  Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178.

For information please call the Butala Funeral Home at 815-895-2833.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, please go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com