Gene Donald Tang died Monday, December 18, 2023 at age 89 after living a life of positivity and optimism, which he shared with all who knew him. Born on September 10, 1934 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to parents Meta Højbjerg and Arne Tang. Gene was raised in North Dakota and worked at the family dairy until he went to college at the University of North Dakota. There, his interest in chemistry led to a professor urging him on to medical school. He received his medical degree from McGill University, later specializing in pathology. After his residency at Saint Joseph Hospital in Flint, Gene served in the US Army, including one year in Vietnam and concluding with an honorable discharge at the rank of major in 1969. He then began a three-decade-long career in Traverse City as a pathologist with Grand Traverse Pathology. In addition to excelling at lab and medical examiner work, he was a mentor and teacher to countless laboratory technicians and other medical staff at Munson Medical Center. Gene also co-founded NorthMed HMO (now Priority Health) and believed that maintaining health and trusting doctors would lead to the best care for all. He was an active member of the local community, holding leadership roles in the local Red Cross and Cancer Society. He faithfully supported public radio, especially Interlochen Public Radio and Central Michigan University Public Radio and Television, Northwestern Michigan College, The Dennos Museum and a variety of other causes. Gene never lost his love for the arts, especially music. For decades, he was a stalwart in the NMC Community Band, playing baritone and also played the tuba in the Northern Michigan Community Brass Band.


In 1955, Gene married Jean Seemann of Grand Forks, North Dakota and they had three children together. In 1968, Gene married Alice Mannor of Flint, Michigan. They were married for 23 years and had two children together and made their home in Traverse City. Gene is survived by his former wife Alice Tang, four children: Mary Tang (Jim Mackin); Barbara Rosenthal (Mark Burrows), Jennifer Tang-Anderson (Matt Anderson), and Jeffrey Tang; and by three grandchildren (Macy, Kieran, Norah). Raised as the eldest of three children, he is survived by his sister Ellen (David) Parker and his brother Keith (Sheila) Tang and many nieces and nephews in the United States, Denmark and Argentina. Gene discovered his family in Denmark including an older sister in 1987, and connecting with that extended family became a passion during his retirement. Gene fully embraced his Danish heritage and visited his relatives whenever possible. He was preceded in death by both of his parents Arne and Meta Tang, sister Hilma Tang Pedersen, former wife Jean, eldest son Steven Tang and sons-in-law David Miller and Paul Rosenthal.


With a thirst for living life and a passion for learning, Gene enjoyed many activities ranging from skiing and sailing to traveling across the country and the world. Yet he might have been happiest sitting in the den of his Long Lake home smoking his pipe and rooting for the Red Wings. He also enjoyed roasting coffee beans, drinking coffee, and sharing his love of coffee with anyone who showed any interest. Perhaps fittingly, Gene died peacefully at Munson Hospice House, only a short block away from his long-time office in Munson Medical Center. His family extends their deepest appreciation to Munson Hospice House, Orchard Creek Rehabilitative Services, and Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare. Visitation hours are being held Friday, December 22 from 3pm to 6pm at Reynolds-Johnkoff Funeral Home, which is serving the family. A celebration of life gathering will occur later in 2024. Memorial donations in Gene's honor may be directed to Northwestern Michigan College Community Band, Munson Hospice House (Dryer Fund) or CMU public television or radio.