In memory of Edward K. Tangren

Edward K. Tangren, known as “Pop,” passed away peacefully on 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 their home in Philip, South Dakota. Having family close was essential to Pop’s longevity, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Both he and our mom lived with Jodi since 2012. Mom was in Jodi’s care until her death from the insidious effects of Alzheimer’s in January 2018. Pop has missed her so terribly. One can only imagine their wonderful, happy reunion!

Pop was born on 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 and his mother moved to Provo and he attended Provo-area schools. In high school, he excelled in school athletics including track, baseball and football, and lettered in baseball and football his junior and senior years. In 1951, Pop was the recipient of the Ray Schwartz Award, named after a local sportswriter, which was given to Provo High’s outstanding offensive lineman. Pop 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. 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 Corporation’s 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 made many fond memories there, including their vineyard that ran along 1460 South from Main Street. Ed, Cleone, and 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–with new generations 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 which, to date, includes 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; his son, Jerry Tangren; daughter-in-law, Linda Tangren; granddaughters, Kristen Tangren, Jamie Tangren, Becky Tangren; grandson, Dallin Tangren; his parents, Lucian and Ethelinda Tangren; and his 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 on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Spanish Valley Mortuary (386 N. 100 West, Moab) at 11:00 a.m. A short viewing will be held one hour prior to the services. Interment will follow at Grand Valley Cemetery (841 Sand Flats Road, Moab).