Joel David Tandberg

JOEL DAVID TANDBERG
Joel David Tandberg was born on September 9th, 1981, in Vancouver, Washington, to Melford Odel Tandberg and Ivy Laura Kennedy.

Joel grew up in Chicago and then Portland, Oregon, finishing high school at Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington. All of his life, Joel was a master of trivia. He was in Academic Decathlon, participated on “High Five” show as well as winning academic events in the state of Washington. Growing up he played baseball, basketball, and roller hockey. He read books voraciously all his life teaching himself Latin when he was just 14. He was active in community theater during middle school and high school and performed for Gandhi’s Grandson, Arun Gandhi.

After graduating from high school Joel joined the Navy where he served from 2000 to 2004. In those four years, Joel was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Special Warfare Intelligence, Top Gun and Global War on Terror.

He met the love of his life, Jennifer, in 2005 in Portland, Oregon. They were blessed with two children Rhys (now 15) and Dacia (now 12). In 2008 they moved to Vancouver, Washington where Joel took part in coaching youth basketball and soccer. He enjoyed spending time with the kids, which were his true pride and joy. In 2022, the family moved to Vail, Arizona to spend more time exploring the outdoors and going on family adventures. Joel loved nature, as evident in his many hobbies and passions.
Joel made a point to live every day to its fullest and that’s exactly what he did. An incredible father, teaching his children life lessons on a daily basis. A motorcycle enthusiast, turned entrepreneur, co-creating Fulcrume Design with a longtime friend. A canine advocate, known to surprise his wife when he would rescue Carolina Dogs from across the country. A collector with a refined palate, known to take motorcycle trips up and down the pacific coastline to track down a coveted bottle of bourbon. A comedian, never shy to crack a dad joke…or quips unfit for a family audience. An incredibly devoted friend, never hesitating to help a friend, regardless of his own circumstances. Joel would do anything for his friends and family, without skipping a beat.

After a year-long battle against a rare neurologic disease, Joel passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by friends and family.

Joel is survived by his wife Jennifer Tandberg, his two children Rhys and Dacia Tandberg, his mother Ivy Kennedy, and his Aunt and Uncle, Dea and Oliver Graham.
Joel was proceeded in death by his father Melford Tandberg.

Please join the family in Celebrating Joel’s Life at 1:00pm on Sunday July 9, 2023 at the Artillery Barracks at Fort Vancouver, in Vancouver, Washington: 600 E Hatheway. I lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations that Joel was involved in supporting;

Saving Carolina Dog Rescue and Adoption Network:
https://savingcarolinadogs.com/donate

Warfighter Outfitters
https://warfighteroutfitters.org/donations/warfighter-outfitters/