Obituary: Juergen Tank

Juergen Tank was born in the summer of 1944. Juergen passed away on Nov. 25, 2012, surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kaete and Ernst Tank.

Juergen is survived by his wife, Rowena, and their beloved son, Erik. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Christa Kueck and Dieter Kueck; their two children Hendrik and Mareika; and Juergen's brother, Lutz Tank, of Germany. Juergen was also loved like a brother by Michael and Patricia Brockert and Dixie Fencl, Rowena's sisters and brother-in-law.

Juergen joined the German Navy when he was 22 years old. He was trained to pilot the F104 Starfighter at Luke Air Force Base, Glendale, Ariz. During that time, he met Rowena. Two years later, Rowena joined Juergen in Germany. They were married in Schleswig. Juergen and Rowena's son, Erik, was born in Germany, two years later.

Subsequent to piloting the Starfighter in the German Navy and nearing retirement, the Tank family made a decision to move to the United States. Juergen was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in the EURO-NATO Flight Training Program, Wichita Falls, Texas. Juergen had a 22-year career in the German Navy and retired from the military in 1986. His rank at retirement was Commander.

The Tank family resided in Phoenix, Ariz., for many years and moved to Prescott in 1999. Juergen was employed with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott as an instructor pilot and later was assigned the position of Director of Flight Safety and Security. Juergen also earned his Master's of Safety Science at Embry-Riddle. In 2009, Juergen retired from Embry-Riddle.

Wilderness exploration always intrigued Juergen. He became part of the volunteer Yavapai County Jeep Posse.

Juergen was a talented carpenter and very creative. He was well-known for his hand-made unique birdhouses, currently hanging in trees all over Prescott, because he donated them to nonprofits for silent auctions and raffles.

According to Juegen's wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prescott Hospice - Good Samaritan Society - Marley House, 928-778-5655, 1065 Ruth St., Prescott, AZ 86301, or The Yavapai Jeep Posse Search and Rescue, c/o Jerry Kimmet, 7463 Pinnacle Pass Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ 86315-3015.

Information provided by survivors.


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