David C. Tans

David Cornell Tans, 77, of Chicago, formerly of Winneconne, WI and Grand Haven, MI, passed away May 10, 2021 after battling anti-IgLON 5, a rare autoimmune disorder.  Beloved husband of Susan E., nee Parker and the late Kathleen J., nee Brower; loving father of Rebecca (Steven) Zahn, Kristin (Dean) Elmer, Karin, Brian (Britta) Lietke and the late Dana Odegaard; cherished grandfather of Katie Zahn, Daniel Zahn, Benjamin Zahn, Danya Koleske Tans, Joseph Waylon Elmer Tans, Grace Odegaard, Claire Odegaard, Sophia Jantz and Finn Cornelius Lietke; devoted son of the late Cornell M. and Martha, nee Dros; dearest brother of Marilyn (Art) Bolt and Christy (Randall) Jackson; fond uncle of several nieces and nephews.

David was born and raised in Grand Haven, MI where he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College.   He held several management and executive positions at local and regional financial services companies including Secura Insurance Co. and GreatBanc Trust Co. for many years before starting his own Third Party Administration (TPA) firm, Benefit Administration, Inc. in 1997, which he continued to build successfully until his retirement in 2014.

An avid traveler, especially during retirement, David continued to stay busy and embarked on another small business venture, owning a tilapia farm in Costa Rica.

David’s greatest passions included fishing, hunting and boating and he enjoyed many adventures with these activities.  One of the biggest highlights, however, was shooting a bear that was attacking their campsite in Canada.

David was also a member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge Number 274.

A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date in Grand Haven, MI.  Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery, Grand Haven, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association or Autoimmune Disease Research Center.

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