Michael Tanke is a life-long resident of La Crosse. He is a 1969 graduate at Logan High School where he earned the honor of being an All Big Rivers Conference wrestling champion. Mike received a Bachelor of Science and Master Degree from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He has been employed by Crown, Cork and Seal Corporation for the pas twenty three years.

Tanke began his volunteer involvement with the Boys and Girls Club in 1980, returning to an organization which he spent many hours as a member in the late 1960’s. He began by re-establishing the youth wrestling program, serving as head coach until 1986. During this period the program grew to include more than one hundred boys from kindergarten through eighth grade. He also developed a highly successful tournament which continues today.

In 1984, Mike began serving on the Executive Board of Directors for the Club and remained an active board member until 1991. During this period he served on both the Program and Executive Committee. He was elected President of the Board in 1989 and currently serves as a member of the Corporate Board.

Tanke has been involved with the annual fall auction since its inception in 1985 helping it to become the largest single fundraising event for the Boys and Girls Club. He served as Chairperson of this annual event in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Mike has also been responsible for a variety of fundraising and informational events at Valley View Mall.

Mike’s interest in the community extends beyond the Boys and Girls Club as he has solicited funds for the United Way of La Crosse, the YMCA, and the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission. He is also an active volunteer with the La Crosse School District and a member of the La Crosse Oktoberfest Grenadier Corps.

Mike and Robyn have two sons, Ryan, a senior at Logan High School and Matthew, a sixth grader at Logan Middle School. Both boys have been active in several programs at the Club through the years.



In 1982, Tanke received the Boys and Girls Club Backer of the Year Award, given for his unselfish support of the Club. He received the President’s Award in 1991 from the Boys and Girls Club of America for his contributions to the success of the organization.