In loving memory of

Jeffrey Tank
September 28, 1953 - October 28, 2019

JEFFREY TANK
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Jeffrey Tank, 66, passed away at home on Monday, October 28, 2019, after a courageous battle against gastric cancer.

Jeff was born on September 28, 1953, in Davenport, the son of Wayne and Wilma (Tillman) Tank. Jeff grew up on the family farm in Durant and graduated from Durant High School in 1971 and the University of Northern Iowa in 1975.

After graduation, Jeff taught biology in Marsailles, IL and later moved to Muscatine where he taught special education. In addition to teaching, Jeff coached the Muscatine Girls High School basketball team for 28 years. During his coaching tenure, his teams won multiple conference championships including earning several trips to the state tournament. He was recognized as the conference and district coach of the year on 6 occasions as well as the State Coach of the Year in 2003. Jeff also coached the National AAU Runner - Up team in 1990.

Jeff was a highly regarded high school and college softball umpire, football official and basketball referee for more than three decades, including being named NFHS Official of the Year, among other recognitions.

Jeff was well known for his unquestioned willingness to devote his time, energy and equipment to neighbors, friends and the community whenever and wherever it was needed.

After retiring from full-time teaching in 1992, he took over operation of the family farm where he raised cattle, corn and soybeans until his death. Throughout his farming career, Jeff focused on regenerative agricultural to build soil health through the use of no-till production practices, the use of cover crops and a number of other conservation practices.

On November 27th, 1982 Jeff was married to Jan Vincent and after her passing in 1985, later married Diana Cooney Prashak on April 11, 1992.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Diana Tank of Muscatine; his sons, Aaron Tank and wife, Mary, of Cedar Rapids, and Mitch Prashak and wife, Jenny, of Ankeny; six grandchildren, Ethan, Ollie, Oscar, Natalia, Arianna, and Lily; his mother, Wilma Tank of Wilton; and two brothers, Jack and wife, Sue, of Iowa City, and Alan and wife, Margo, of Bethesda, Maryland.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne; one son, Branson Barrett; and his first wife, Jan Tank.

Memorial donations can be made to the Jeff Tank MHS Girls Basketball Memorial Scholarship, which has been established in his honor by his former players.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at the New Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Online Condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.



Tributes

Jeordano (Pete) Martinez wrote on Nov 16, 2019:

"Jeff was one of my students for two years at Muscatine Community College where he participated in our theater productions and sang in the college choir. He was a great guy--popular, intelligent, and inquisitive--and always in a good mood. I am so sorry about his untimely death and wish the best for his family."

Phyllis Bishop wrote on Nov 2, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss Diana and family. Our family will always appreciate Jeff for the investment of time in the lives of our daughter Stephanie Bishop and Granddaughters Leti Lerma and Alicia Garcia. Sending prayers to all. Go Muskies! ????"

Patty Beal wrote on Nov 1, 2019:

"Dine so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Hold on tight to those memories. He will be with you always Patty and Mike Beal"

Jon & Patty Lawrence wrote on Nov 1, 2019:

"Diana it was a pleasure to meet your husband and boys when we moved into our home. Out condolences to you and your family. A kind and giving man. Take tender care."

Greg Corcoran wrote on Nov 1, 2019:

"I was privileged to umpire many high school softball games with Jeff over the past ten years. He was an outstanding umpire and a great person. My deepest condolences to his family. He will truly be missed."

Dave Stamy wrote on Nov 1, 2019:

"Condolences to all the family and friends of Jeff. Worked a boy's basketball post season tournament game last year and guess who I worked with? Never had met or worked with Jeff prior, but it didn't take long to realize this gentleman had tons of passion as an official. After the game, our other partner along with a friend, stopped at a local restaurant to get a quick bite to eat. It didn't take long to understand Jeff's passion went way beyond officiating. Yes I remember Jeff as an official, but the two things I won't forget about Jeff was his love for family and farming. No doubt he will be missed "on" and "off" the court! "

Cheryl Petersen wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"Dine, I remember when you and Jeff got married, two good people joining lives and families. You created a lifetime of memories. Jeff will be missed by his family and community. My deepest sympathy, Cheryl Petersen "

Bruce and Kay Ingham wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"What an amazing man, quiet and determined. He leaves a true legacy."

Norberto Ibarra Jr. wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"Our thoughts, sympathy and prayers to Jeff's family. I had the opportunity to team teach with Jeff high school biology to ELL students. What a professional! Norberto IbarraJr. and Family. "

Beth Foster wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"Diana, I?m so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Beth &Joe Foster"

Jane Kreimeyer wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He had the midas touch everything was blessed if he had a part in it He will be truly missed. My sympathy to the entire family. Jane Kreimeyer, Wilton"

Larry & Elaine Thede wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We knew his parents very well. God Bless Larry & Elaine Thede Bloomington, Il"

Rich Miller wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"Very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Jeff on some College Softball in my early years of umpiring. Jeff was a class act to work with. Sincerely, Rich Miller"

Tim Tisinger wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"Jeff was a leader in our high school. He was a genuine person who exemplified doing the right thing. Condolences to the family. "

Steve Moon, Retired Denver Girls Basketball Coach wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"Sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. We crossed paths at summer basketball camps at Kirkwood and softball umpiring clinics in CR. Our oldest daughter roomed with Larie Dew, one of his former players, at Kirkwood. He had told me he farmed the ground around the Wilton baseball diamond, our son in law played there. Condolences to the family. Steve Moon, Retired Denver Girls Basketball Coach"

Bill Larson wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"I am saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. My sincere condolences to the family. "

Dennis Glancy wrote on Oct 31, 2019:

"My Condolences to the Tank Family. "

Jim Legvold wrote on Oct 30, 2019:

"Meet Jeff at girls state softball in Fort Dodge. Had many conversations about farming. Great man will be missed!"

Matthew Swanson wrote on Oct 30, 2019:

"My deepest heartfelt condolences and prayers for his family "

Matt Elliott wrote on Oct 30, 2019:

"My condolences to Coach Tank's family. He treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated, with respect. "

Jean Eichelberger wrote on Oct 30, 2019:

"My condolences to everyone in Jeff's family."