Jerry Edwin Tanselle, 84, died Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Witham Memorial Hospital, due to complications from leukemia.
He was born on April 13, 1939, to K. Edwin and Madge (Miller) Tanselle. A life-long Lebanon resident, he grew up working at Tanselle’s Market and was a graduate of Lebanon High School where he was president of his senior class. He held a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a master’s degree from Purdue University.
In 1963 he married Sally Shaw Tanselle; they had three children: Jed Tanselle, Lebanon; Susan Tanselle Ottinger (Ken Ottinger), Lebanon, and Jack T. Tanselle (Laurie Brown), Westfield, all of whom survive him, along with four grandchildren: Lian Ottinger, Indianapolis; Sara Ottinger, Lebanon; Thomas Tanselle, Westfield, and Mary Kate Tanselle, Westfield. Other survivors include his brother, G. Thomas Tanselle and friend Sue Schwager from New York City, his brother- and sister-in-law, Jack and Karen Shaw, Indianapolis, and sister- and brother-in-law, Jeannie and Mike Martin, Lebanon and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family was all important to him; he never missed the activities of his children or grandchildren and promoted frequent family events.
Jerry had a successful 44-year real estate career as a residential salesperson and office manager for the F.C. Tucker Company. He was the recipient of the 1987 F.C. Tucker Award and a member of its Presidents Club. He was known for his sense of humor, integrity, sales negotiation skills and kindness to clients, as well as coaching and mentoring he provided for many new sales associates.
An accomplished and passionate golfer, Jerry became a member of Ulen Country Club when he was 14, achieving a 72-year membership record at the time of his death. He was a member of the Northwestern Golf Team and was the Ulen Club Champion in 1964. He passed on his love of golf to his children and grandchildren, always glad to give lessons and advice on new golfing equipment. He was a fan of all sports, particularly as a season ticket holder for the Pacers and Colts.
Jerry also gave back to his community, serving on the Ulen Country Club Board from 2009-2014, the Lebanon Boys Club Board of Directors, and the Brendan Wood Neighborhood Association, as president from 1973-1978. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church. In 1970 he and Sally were one of four founding families of the Indiana Association for Hearing Impaired Children, known today as HEAR Indiana.
Funeral Services are planned for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Jerry’s name to the Henry C. Ulen Foundation, 100 Country Club Drive, Lebanon, IN 46052; the Lebanon unit of the Boone County Boys and Girls Club, 403 West Main Street, Lebanon, IN, or HEAR Indiana, 4740 Kingsway Dr #33, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com