Joseph R Tanko

Joseph R. Tanko, age 92, passed away at his home in Perkinston on July 23, 2024. Born in Gilbert, MN, Joseph was a resident of South Mississippi for over 54 years.

Known to many by his nickname, Jaye, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Margery Tanko (Moorman); his parents, Joseph A. and Matilda Tanko of Milwaukee, WS.

Joseph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his three sons and their wives Joseph M. (Ting) of Pelham, AL; Thomas M. (Linda) of Davenport, FL; and Robert K. Tanko of Henderson, NV; his brother Ronald Tanko (Vicky) of Steven’s Point, WS; brother-in-law William Moorman of Diamondhead, MS; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Lincoln High School in Milwaukee and joined the Air Force in 1951. While stationed at Kessler AFB he met the love of his life, Margery Sue Moorman. They married July 17, 1954, in Gulfport. After the Air Force, his job took them to Milwaukee, WS, Lancaster, CA, Alamogordo, NM and Littleton, CO before returning to settle in Gulfport in 1970. Joseph retired from the MS State Tax Commission in Gulfport. He and Marge retired to country life in Perkinston, MS in 1999.

His greatest joy in life was actively keeping up with his sons and their families.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel, followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to American Heart Association.