Theodore Tangen
June 1, 1944 — January 7, 2026
Theodore James Tangen Age 81, formerly of St. Louis Park and Maple Grove
Theodore “Ted” Tangen was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa, and great-grandpa whose life was filled with curiosity, adventure, and love for family. Ted had a passion for the outdoors—spending time at the lake with his grandchildren, gardening, and exploring National parks across the country. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, sport shooting, and motorcycling, and was always up for a road trip or a BMW motorcycle rally.
Ted graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1962. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a field that suited his curiosity and problem solving spirit. He also obtained his master’s degree in business, which allowed him to move into supervisory roles. He spent the majority of his career with Honeywell, where he was proud of his work and the people he worked alongside, continuing on with the company after his division was acquired by Alliant Techsystems.
Ted was a collector at heart, finding joy in baseball cards, coins, stamps, Department 56 houses, and even band-aid tins. In recent years, he embraced technology with enthusiasm, spending countless hours catching Pokémon and battling in Pokémon Go raids. He loved puzzles and Sudoku, reading, and cheering on his favorite teams—“Go Gophers!”
Family was at the center of Ted’s life. He shared his home with two cherished cats and treasured every moment with his children and grandchildren. His warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Isabel Tangen, and his wife, Dorothy “Jeanne” Tangen. Survived by his brother Tom (Linda); children Mark (Chelsea) and Deb (Terry); grandchildren James, Karl, Teddy, Anthony, and Alyssa; great-grandchildren Casyn, Arayah, and Brynlee; and many nieces and nephews.
Ted’s life was a beautiful journey filled with laughter, love, and countless memories. May we honor his legacy by cherishing the simple joys he loved—time with family, the beauty of nature, and the thrill of discovery. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, 7180 N. Hemlock Lane, Maple Grove. Visitation at church one hour prior to Mass. Interment Gethsemane. Memorials preferred to the Hennepin County Humane Society.
Gearty-Delmore 763-553-1411
Michael Christenson
During our high school years Ted impressed me as a very intelligent, thoughtful fellow student. He often said very little about what he was thinking, but, if asked, he would make myself and others aware of the depth of his perspective. He was a special person.
Mike Christenson
Gary Sutton
Michael, I agree with you 100% about Ted, he was indeed a special person! He was also one of my best childhood buddies. I remember well playing basketball in his driveway many days after school. I think we were all fortunate to grow up when we did!
Robert Hill
Ted was one of our hidden brilliant students. He was one of only four National Merit Finalists in our class. Always unassuming, but very deliberate, careful and kind.
Robert Hill
Ted was one of our hidden brilliant students. He was one of only four National Merit Finalists in our class. Always unassuming, but very deliberate, careful and kind.