Jake Tanner, 81, Dairy Farmer And Business Owner

Photo and obituary from Joseph A. Fleuhr III’s Funeral Home.

Monroe Leonard Tanner, “Jake” as he was known, of Ivyland, died peacefully on Monday, July 13 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne. He was 81.

Born in Warminster, Leonard was the beloved husband of Dorothy A. Burns Tanner for the past 63 years; he was the son of the late William and Emma Fesmire Tanner. He was predeceased by his 3 sisters; Miriam Dilks, Eleanor Kimbel and Alberta Forsyth and 3 brothers, William Tanner, Edwin Tanner and Walter R. Mickey Tanner.

Born the 9th of 10 children into a farming family and lifestyle, Leonard learned quickly that the work was a necessity, and that hard work was the only kind of work. A lifelong resident of Bucks County, Leonard grew deep roots in the community as a farmer and a business owner.

For many years, working along side his brother Mickey on their dairy farm, raising, milking and producing milk for the local communities. He grew crops on the farms in Ivyland, Richboro and Newtown.

In 1971 he and his brother Mickey opened a “Dairy Store” that originally focused on milk and ice cream and through the years has grown into a full service market specializing in fresh local fruits and vegetables and homemade ice cream. Jake retired in 1989. When not working, he had a tremendous passion for short track dirt racing. At one time he was the proud owner of “5 Race Cars”.

His enthusiasm and passion for dirt track racing lives on with 2 of his grandson Tim, Jr., and Kenny Jake.

In retirement, Leonard enjoyed a full day, he realized that life was too short, so go enjoy and that he did, he especially enjoyed spending time with his soul mate Dorothy, and with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a creature of habit and could be found almost every night at Giuseppe’s Restaurant, in Richboro, enjoying fellowship, family and friends. He will be sadly missed by his family and a devoted community.

In addition to his beloved wife Dorothy he is survived by his devoted children; M. Leonard Tanner Jr (Kathy Uhlenbrock), Donald T. Tanner (Donna), Tim S. Tanner Sr. (Barbara), Bonnie Laureno (Roger), one brother Norman Tanner (Joan), two sisters, Arlene Luff (late Clarence C. ), Sally Maximuck (late Walter Sr.). His three sisters-in-law Grace Y. Tanner, Thelma J. Tanner and Charlotte M. Tanner. He is also survived by 7 dear grandchildren: Jessica Tanner, M. Leonard , III, Tim Tanner, Jr., Jeremy Tanner, Amy Schlitter, Sarah Andrews and Kenny Jake Laureno, and 7 great grandchildren: M. Leonard Tanner, IV, D.J. Tanner, Tyler Tanner, Allie Tanner, Brooke Tanner, Peyton and Colton Schlitter.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
St. Mary Medical Center
1201 Langhorne-Newtown Road
Langhorne, PA 19047