Tanner Yannick Zahalka
June 2, 1994 ~ October 11, 2021 (age 27) 27 Years Old
Tribute
Tanner Yannick Zahalka entered into eternal rest on Monday, October 11, 2021 in Fort Myers, Florida after a tragic motorcycle accident. He was 27 years old. A Florida native, Tanner was born and raised in Fort Myers on June 2, 1994. He graduated from Fort Myers High School where he was in the IB Program, and subsequently earned his BA from the University of South Florida.
Tanner was a teacher at Island Coast High School after having taught English for two years in Bangkok. He had also just completed his final class to earn his M.B.A. from St. Leo University. Tanner was trying to decide his next step in life: whether to enter the business world or to answer a special calling to work with children.
He had served as an MP in the U.S. Army Reserve before going into active duty in the Infantry 10th Mountain Division stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
He had a wanderlust spirit and when not traveling, he loved horses, shooting, and riding his Harley. Tanner was sensitive, kind, and fiercely protective of those he loved - especially his younger brother, Chase. Tanner was known for his quick wit, sarcasm, and his desire to make a difference.
Tanner will be dearly missed by his mother and step-father, Kimberly and Brian Jones of Fort Myers, FL; father, Christian Zahalka (Aneta) of Los Angeles, CA; brother, Chase Zahalka of Fort Myers, FL; step-brother, Tommy Zahalka of Los Angeles, CA; grandmother, Midge Hall of Fort Myers, FL; uncle, Erik Hall of Fort Myers, FL; uncle, Dean Jones of Rainelle, WV; and step-grandparents, Wallace and Loretta Jones of Rainelle, WV.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Darrell Hall.
A memorial service will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 5:30PM with a reception immediately following at the church.
Interment will be held privately at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tanner's memory, to:
www.garysinisefoundation.org
Tanner was a teacher at Island Coast High School after having taught English for two years in Bangkok. He had also just completed his final class to earn his M.B.A. from St. Leo University. Tanner was trying to decide his next step in life: whether to enter the business world or to answer a special calling to work with children.
He had served as an MP in the U.S. Army Reserve before going into active duty in the Infantry 10th Mountain Division stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
He had a wanderlust spirit and when not traveling, he loved horses, shooting, and riding his Harley. Tanner was sensitive, kind, and fiercely protective of those he loved - especially his younger brother, Chase. Tanner was known for his quick wit, sarcasm, and his desire to make a difference.
Tanner will be dearly missed by his mother and step-father, Kimberly and Brian Jones of Fort Myers, FL; father, Christian Zahalka (Aneta) of Los Angeles, CA; brother, Chase Zahalka of Fort Myers, FL; step-brother, Tommy Zahalka of Los Angeles, CA; grandmother, Midge Hall of Fort Myers, FL; uncle, Erik Hall of Fort Myers, FL; uncle, Dean Jones of Rainelle, WV; and step-grandparents, Wallace and Loretta Jones of Rainelle, WV.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Darrell Hall.
A memorial service will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 5:30PM with a reception immediately following at the church.
Interment will be held privately at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tanner's memory, to:
www.garysinisefoundation.org
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
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