Hank Tkachuk

Henry “Hank” Tkachuk died unexpectedly at his home in Moorhead on Thursday, September 13th.  Hank was born November 26, 1948, to Jeanne and Hank Tkachuk in Chicago, IL. His father died in 1951 and his mother married Michael Feniuk, who raised him with Jeanne. In 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Fetters. They shared 48 amazing years together.

He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughters Rebecca Tkachuk (husband Jonathan Swoyer, Eli Swanson, Connor Swanson, Linnaea Tkachuk Swoyer), Lea Tkachuk Nerby (husband Nathan, Maia, Joe), Victoria Tkachuk Owen (husband Nick, Sofia, Evelyn, Henry, Claire), and sister Nancy Feniuk Nelson (husband Jim, Sam).

He was preceded in death by his mother, his father and his dad.

Hank was a Concordia College professor of Communication Studies and Theatre Art and co-director of Oral Communication Center. Hank began his Concordia career in 1972 and retired in 2016. He served as debate coach, the department chair for 15 years, and led 18 international communications seminars. In 2003 Hank was awarded the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Teaching Award for his “selflessness and devotion to students, his commitment to fostering respect throughout the world for cultural diversity, and for being a mentor and guide to other faculty.”

A longtime member of Bethesda Church, Hank served as a council member, enjoyed singing in the choir, and contributed countless hours to encouraging fellowship among the congregation. His positive and cheerful outlook will be greatly missed there.

In Hank’s presence, one received his full and complete attention whether teaching you how to fish, letting the grandkids drive the boat, providing personalized tech support for friends and family or fixing anything and everything in the house and car that broke.  He was especially devoted to his grandchildren and delighted in spending time with them.

In all the lives Hank Tkachuk touched, his selflessness, generosity, hopeful demeanor, sense of humor, and tenacity for fostering community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. In lieu of flowers, Hank’s family ask that you honor his memory by reaching out within your community: introduce yourself to a neighbor, carry someone’s groceries, invite someone to church with you, and please sign up to be an organ donor.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 20, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m, followed by the memorial service at 5:00 p.m., in the Knutson Campus Center, Centrum at Concordia College in Moorhead.

Pax vobiscum.