John D. Tanis

Former music director at Epiphany Lutheran

John Tanis, of Rensselaer, Ind., died on July 7, 2017, in Lafayette, Ind.  John was Music Director at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Elmhurst for 20 years and founder of the Elmhurst Children’s Choir.  John retired from Lincolnwood Elementary School in Evanston after a long teaching career. He sang with Bella Voce in Chicago until 2014 and composed many original pieces sung by his church choir.  John’s life was dedicated to music, his students and the many churches, synagogues and organizations for which he played and sang.  He is missed by his mother, seven siblings and friends too numerous to count, as well as students and colleagues with whom he shared his musical gifts.  A Memorial Service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 314 W. Vallette St., Elmhurst, on Saturday, August 26 at 11 a.m.  Memorial Donations may be made to the church. For more information, call 630-832-8457.