Tanner Kaltenberg

MADISON - Our beloved Tanner James Kaltenberg was taken from us, unexpectedly on July 23, 2023, and a piece of our hearts will be forever missing. Simply put, to know Tanner was to love Tanner. From childhood on, he had a personality that would draw anyone to him. He had a contagious smile that would light up a room, and a mischievous smirk that begged you to wonder whether he was up to something, or if he was preparing himself with something smart to say. Later in life, this smile and a smirk was coupled with a casual flex of his muscles, and it didn’t matter where you were when this took place.

Tanner kept his mother, father, and extended family very busy as a kid with weeknights and weekends filled with sports tournaments either playing hockey, baseball or any sport he could involve himself in. Countless days and nights were spent, living in hotel rooms, and traveling from place to place, doing what he loved the most. His family and friends loved being a part of this as well, coaching or cheering, and this is where Tanner began forging many life-long friendships. Tanner also developed a love for golf, and was known for being the Midwest’s version of Happy Gilmore. He could crush the ball 300 yards on a drive and be on the green in one while you were hoping to be on in two. Tanner was a fierce competitor, but was always humble in victory and showed the utmost sportsmanship in defeat.  

Full of life, and full of love, as he became a “big kid,” Tanner also became a big brother. He took on roles that he likely never thought he would, and likely didn’t know he had. To his little brother Jaxson, he became a hero, a mentor, a role model, and his absolute best friend. It should be no surprise that Jaxson has followed in his big brother’s footsteps, sharing his love and his passion for sports, specifically hockey and baseball. Jaxson looked up to his big brother and Tanner had a willingness to help teach him, and the patience of a Saint. All bets were off however, when David (Jaxson) met Goliath (Tanner) on the artificial ice rink in Moms living room. Here is where countless carpet hockey games took place, blood was probably shed along with a few tears, but most importantly brothers did what brothers do. They forged a bond and built memories that will forever live on. Jaxson will never forget the time he had and the memories he has made with the best big brother.

After he graduated from Verona High School, Tanner decided to serve God and country and in May of 2021 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed Boot Camp at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. During his career in the Marines, Tanner would also be stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and was most recently stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He and his brothers were members of Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. His awards during his service include the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, and Global War on Terror Service Medal.

His decision to serve his country was not taken lightly and caused many sleepless nights for those who loved Tanner, but also had everyone so incredibly proud of the man he became. In true Tanner-style, he took it in stride, and if he was struggling with the difficulties of military life, you would never know it. He was never known to complain about things and didn’t want to burden others. During his service, Tanner again forged relationships and became a part of a brotherhood, one of which will carry his memory on forever. The impression Tanner left behind, his attitude, work ethic, and the kind of Marine he was has been posthumously shared with family by his fellow Marines and Commanding Officers. To say that his family is bursting with pride would be an understatement. A recent call home from Tanner revealed that he was going to reenlist when his time was up. As a family, we hope his Marine Brothers and Sisters can march forward and rest assured knowing that Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg will be marching right beside you until Valhalla. Semper Fidelis

Tanner’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for all the love and support during this inconceivably difficult time. The phone calls, texts and visits truly mean the world to us all. The amazing stories about Tanner, the laughter and the tears we have shared with those he has touched throughout his life only solidify what we have known all along. Tanner was larger than life and left behind a void that will forever be. Your Mom, Dad, Sister Brianna, Brother Jaxson and ALL of your family and friends love you more than you will ever know Tanner Kaltenberg. You will be in our thoughts and memories forever.

Tanner is survived by his father, James Kaltenberg; his mother, Kristy Micale; sister, Brianna (Kyle) Windisch; brother, Jaxson Brummer; grandfather, Carmen (Karen) Micale Sr.; several aunts, uncles and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Arthur P. Kaltenberg; and grandmother, Charlene M. Kaltenberg.

A funeral service will be held at VERONA AREA HIGH SCHOOL, 234 Wildcat Way, Verona, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. Burial will be held at Verona Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the school from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023.

Tanner’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone, for all of the love and support during this inconceivably difficult time. Tanner, we love you more than you will ever know.

Memorials may be gifted in Tanner’s name to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin (wish.org/wisconsin), Dane County Toys for Tots (tinyurl.com/4awp3fk4), or Verona Area Youth Hockey Association (tinyurl.com/5n77edxs). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002