Alan R. Taenzer

Al was born on April 1st 1937 & died December 24, 2024 at 87 years of age. He grew up in a northwest Chicago neighborhood. His family was a fabulous group of artists. His Grandfather, Bendix Taenzer was published in the “Saturday Evening Post.” His parents, Roderick and Marcella Taenzer were also artists who grew up in St. Louis, Missouri & graduated from Washington University. His brother, Jon, was born 4 years after Al & died in 2019. Al attended Illinois College in Illinois & graduated in 1959. He enlisted in the Army Reserves in College & prepared for active duty in Germany in 1960. He married his wife, Sandra Ayers, in 1960 & immediately deployed to Germany with the Army Security Agency at the Kassel-Rothwesten Airbase. He and Sandy lived in Germany for three years & travelled all over Europe. They also joined a small military theatre group that presented Stephen Vincent Benet’s: “John Brown’s Body” to United States military audiences in Germany. Their Daughter, Elizabeth & their Son, York, were born. Al was hired by Allstate Insurance Company where he worked as a Systems Analyst for 40 years retiring in 2004. Al was dedicated to singing, gardening & growing trees, volunteering, recycling & composting for more than 60 years. He sang with the Elgin Choral Union in Illinois for 30 years. He and Sandy retired in 2004 to the Arrowhead of Cook County Minnesota where they built a Timber Frame home on the shore of Lake Superior. Al volunteered hours and hours for the Grand Marais Lions Club & was a 2019 Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian service. He was also a member of the Hovland Area Volunteer Fire Department using his analyst skills to develop the Fire District’s Evacuation Plan & serving on the HAVFD Board. His Grandson, Garrick, has also joined the HAVFD & has Al’s firefighter number. Al was the most calm, fair, diligent, and precise person who always fulfilled his commitments. Al will be cremated & his ashes scattered to return to the earth. Al & Sandy believe the service of his life to the community & humanity fully celebrate his life. His wish was that family & friends donate to Cancer Research, the Grand Marais LIon’s Club, or volunteer for their community.