Hans Tanzler Jr., native son and first mayor of the consolidated city of Jacksonville, friend of the St. Johns River, military veteran, athlete, sailor and judge, died July 25. He was 86.
Hans was born on March 11, 1927, and attended West Riverside Elementary School, John Gorrie Junior High School, Robert E. Lee High School, and then graduated from the University of Florida in 1949. In 1951, he received a Doctorate of Law. While at the University of Florida, he was elected to the Florida Blue Key Honorary leadership Society and was vice president of the graduating class. A gifted athlete, Hans received an athletic scholarship to play football while also playing four years of basketball, establishing all-time records in every category, as well as All Conference honors. In 1985, he was elected to the University Athletic Hall of Fame.
Hans served in active duty in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was recalled to active duty in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis and stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, serving as Air Intelligence Officer for Patrol Squadron 741.
Hans practiced law for 10 years in Jacksonville, served five years as assistant state attorney, was named general counsel for the Florida State Board of Health in 1961 and was appointed Judge of the Criminal Court of Record by Gov. Farris Byant. It was during his years as a judge that he earned one of his monikers, “father time,” for the long prison sentences he frequently handed down.
Hans’ love for his hometown and anguish for the corruption that had consumed Jacksonville by the mid-1960s prompted him to leave his seat as a judge to run for mayor. In 1967, he became the mayor of a new, consolidated Jacksonville and led a tireless effort to transform the city into one of the most progressive, efficient and beautiful cities in the country. After cleaning up city hall, he led the old Jacksonville — a consolidation of the city and county governments into a new form of local government — into a new era. Under his leadership, city services were expanded, cultural art offerings were improved, infrastructure was upgraded, downtown was revitalized and skyscrapers rose.
Hans was also a tireless advocate of the St. Johns River. Of all of his accomplishments, many remember him best for a photo depicting him waterskiing across the St. Johns River with the Cypress Gardens girls. His creative stunt celebrated his success in establishing a new sewer system with a bond issuance.
Despite his tireless devotion to public service, he still found time for outside hobbies. He was an avid sportsman and longtime member of the Safari International Club, a gifted artist and harmonica player.
Hans was a visionary, and despite his devotion to the people and city of Jacksonville, he sought to make an even larger impact on Floridians. In 1979, he resigned as mayor to run for governor of Florida. Outspent by more than a million dollars, he lost the election to Gov. Bob Graham, but nevertheless defeated Lt. Gov. Jim Williams, Sec. of State Bruce Smathers and former Gov. Claude Kirk in that same race.
Upon returning to private life, he served as chairman of the first Jacksonville-Duval County Housing Finance Authority and was president of the Board of Directors of Christian Television of Jacksonville, Inc.
Hans lived a remarkable life and affected countless people — loved ones and strangers — in infinite ways. The city of Jacksonville is a better place because of him.
Hans was preceded in death by his wife La Mercedes Tanzler and was formerly married to Ann Lyerly. He is survived by his son Hans Gerhardt Tanzler III (Deborah Tanzler), granddaughter Emily Durrett Tanzler, and grandson Hans Gerhardt Tanzler IV. A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m., at St. Johns Cathedral, 256 E. Church St., in Jacksonville. Burial services will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Salvation Army of Jacksonville, 15 E. Church Street, 32202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 31, 2013
Randolph Hardee Jr
The Lord be with you,
My sincere condolences for the loss of your father. I will always remember him fondly. Motorcycle riding and Hard Tails invocations, He was a fine man who contributed unselfishly to our community and his many friends. God Bless his soul.
Randolph Hardee Jr.
July 31, 2013
Blessings and Peace to the family and loved ones.
The Mahoney Family
July 31, 2013
b fountain
May his soul rest in peace
July 29, 2013
Truman & Kitti Barber
To the Tanzler family. Hans' friends in Sky Valley are saddened at the newe of his passing. We were blessed to have him here on his summer visits and Sunday attendance at our Chapel.
Truman & Kitti Barber
July 28, 2013
Randy Hardee
"It has been a profound pleasure to have known such a man as devoted to our community. He has been a guiding light for so many years. Having known and respected him for over fourth years I can say he will be greatly missed. Hans 3rd please accept my deepest sympathy for you and your family. Randy Hardee
July 28, 2013
Richard Bowers
It was such an honor to be part, as an appointed official, of his administration of the new Consolidated and to support him for Governor. His presence and his decision making made him the right man at the right time. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. In later years, I always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a man of his time, which I think is a compliment he would appreciate. Rest in Peace, Mayor
July 28, 2013
Judy Parham Shuster
Hans,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Debbie and your entire family. It has been a long time since I've seen you but I felt the need to reach out because your dad was a great man for our town and the thought of him brings back many memories of much earlier, happy times. Take care and find peace in the knowledge of what a wonderful person your father was.
July 27, 2013
Tom Nixon
To Hans, Debbie, and your entire family we send our respect, sympathy and love. Hans was a giant in the life of our hometown and our community. He was very proud of you all as well. I am certain of that. In this time of sadness and grief you are in our thoughts. It has been many years but I don't forget good friends. Take care..
Tom and Val Nixon (Kelseyville, Ca.)
July 27, 2013
Madge Bruner Hazen
A mayor of Jacksonville who brought this city to international highlights can now observe the city from heaven as he formed it. God bless you and your family who has always been proud of you.
July 27, 2013
CHARLES ANDERSON
A VERY GREAT LONG TIME SCHOOL MATE, A GOOD FRIEND, ALOT OF FINE MEMORIES. HE'LL TRULY BE MISSED....
July 27, 2013
The Remley Family
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 27, 2013
Stephen Willett
I long for the day when we had leaders like this fine man. R.I.P. Mr. Mayor.
July 27, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hans was a wonderful man and friend.
Mrs. Lou Ritter (Judie)
July 27, 2013
Scott Peterson
Deepest sympathy Hans. My prayers are with you and your family.
July 27, 2013
Mr. Mayor what an great loss to Jax, to FL and the human race . I have valued you as a friend and statesman . You were unique ! God bless you.You are heaven's gain. Gordon Vines
July 27, 2013
Carl Cochran
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Carl Cochran, LHC58/UTU
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