Tanner Martin Rath

Jan 6, 1999 -

Nov 3, 2022

Tanner Martin Rath, a beloved son, brother, grandson, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Nov. 3, 2022, at the age of 23 years old.

Tanner was born on Jan. 6, 1999, in Anchorage, to Jeff Rath and Heidi Redick. After graduating from Dimond High School in 2017, he pursued junior hockey in Great Falls, Mont., before returning home to attend the UAA engineering program. He spent his summers roofing, where he enjoyed working with the crews and soaking up everything they would teach him. In 2020, his ventures took him to Queen Creek, Ariz., where he attended Universal Technical Institute, graduating in 2022 with a degree in heavy duty diesel technology and power generation. He returned home in June 2022, and began a career with ARCTEC Alaska, working on remote radar sites around the state.

He grew up playing soccer from a very young age, but found his passion in hockey. After meeting the love of his life, Jenna Hickel, at the age of 14, the two were inseparable. They had experienced many fun adventures over their nine-year relationship, and looked forward to getting married next summer.

Tanner touched many lives during his short time with us through his big heart, compassion and kindness for others. He protected those who needed protection and stood up for what he believed in from a very young age. He could light up a room with his giant smile and witty sense of humor. He was always committed to working hard and learning from those who came before him. Tanner always made sure to keep up with all of his family especially his grandparents. He enjoyed spending his days at the cabin in Willow, riding with his dad in his 1970 convertible Chevelle, fishing with his stepdad in Long Bay, playing hockey, riding snowmachines and especially being with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George Petersen, Rowe and Julia Redick; and brothers, Brett and Joey Redick, who he loved and missed deeply.

Tanner is survived by his fiancee, Jenna Hickel; parents, Heidi Redick (Darrel), Jeff Rath (Barbara); sisters, Teresa Criswell (Cole) and Samantha Redick (Emi Williams), Chelsie Rodriguez, Jannay and Kiana Rodriguez-Smith; niece and nephew, Elsie Criswell and Jackson Redick; grandmothers, Judy Petersen and Mary Smith; grandfather, Dexter Smith; aunt, Teresa Christensen (Jay); and cousins, Morgan and Tucker Barry; and many extended relatives and chosen families including the Hickels, Vandenbos and Perius.

Funeral Services will take place on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 3900 Wisconsin Street, Anchorage, AK 99517. Visitation will take place at 2 p.m., funeral mass will begin at 3 p.m., and celebration of life to follow.

The Tanner Rath family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Anchorage Hockey Association – Little Dipper Learn to Skate/Play program for his love for the sport. Donations in honor of Tanner can be made to: AHA – 534 East 16th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.