Edward "Pop" Tangren

Edward K Tangren, "Pop" passed away peacefully, Sunday, November 24th, 2024, during a brief stay at a Rapid City assisted living center. Before that time he had been in the loving care of his only daughter Jodi Thorson and her family at her home in Philip, South Dakota. Having family around was essential to Pop's longevity, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Both he and mom lived with Jodi since 2012. Mom was with us in Jodi's care until her death from the insidious effects of Alzheimer’s in January of 2018. Pop has missed her so terribly and one can only imagine their wonderful happy reunion!


Pop was born January 26, 1934, in Moab, Utah to Lucian Randolph and Ethelinda Henrie Tangren He was the ninth of ten children, and the youngest of the boys.


When he was around three, he moved with his mother to Provo. He attended Provo area schools. In high school he excelled in school athletics including track, baseball and football, and lettered in both baseball and football his junior and senior years. In 1951, he was the recipient of the Ray Schwartz award as Provo High's outstanding offensive lineman. Schwartz was a local prominent sportswriter at that time. He graduated from Provo High in 1952.


He met the love of his life and eternal companion, Cleone Jennie Soulier, in the spring of 1954 and they were married on February 24, 1955. Together they had seven children, Edward K Jr, Daniel Marcus, Perry Randolph, Jerry Clan, Tyler Nathan, Jodi Cleone, and Mathew Brook. They were sealed for time and all eternity to each other and to their children in the Provo LDS Temple at the mouth of Rock Canyon on January 4, 1974.


Like his older brother Hugh, Ed became a Journeyman Electrician. In May 1956, he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and was a member of the Utah Local Chapter 354 and in 2021 he received his pin for 65 consecutive years of IBEW membership. Five of his six sons, one grandson, and two grandsons-in-law also followed in his footsteps becoming electricians. He worked most of his career for the U.S. Steel Corporations Geneva Steel Works plant, in Vineyard, Utah. He retired from there in 1985.


Pop, Cleone and their family lived along Orem's Main Street for 57 years and had many fond memories there, including their vineyard that ran along 1460 S from Main St. Ed and Cleone, along with their seven kids started construction on their mountain home in 1973, and have continued to build and improve upon it ever since. Through their dedication and hard work, and the hard work of their now grown adult children and grandchildren, they have made their cabin property along with their Moab desert property into beautiful retreats for their entire family and now new generations are enjoying their labor of love.


Pop is survived by his children Ed Tangren Jr. (Patti-Jo), Dan Tangren (Peggy), Perry Tangren (Sheela), Tyler Tangren, Jodi Thorson (Bob), Brook Tangren (Suzy) and their posterity, to date including 41 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great- grandchildren. He is also survived by his older brother Karl Tangren and numerous nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his adoring wife Cleone Tangren, and son Jerry Tangren. Daughter-in-law Linda Tangren. Granddaughters - Kristen Tangren, Jamie Tangren, Becky Tangren, and grandson - Dallin Tangren. His parents - Lucian and Ethelinda Tangren and siblings - Imogene Tangren Hawkins, Garth Tangren, Bob Tangren, Clair Tangren, Hugh Tangren, Marie Tangren Crandall, Bud Tangren, and Normalyn Tangren Williams.


The funeral will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Spanish Valley Mortuary, 386 N 100 W, Moab, Utah, at 11:00am. A short viewing will be held one hour prior to the services. Interment, following, at Grand Valley Cemetery, 841 Sand Flatts Rd, Moab, Utah.

Cards and memorials may be sent to 20965 E Grindstone Road Philip, SD 57567.

Service Details

FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday, December 7, 2024 - 11:00 a.m.
Spanish Valley Mortuary
386 N 100 W
Moab, Utah

INTERMENT
Grand Valley Cemetery
841 Sand Flatts Road
Moab, Utah