Obituary of Michael Emilio Tenne

Michael Emilio Tenne “Mike” was born November 21, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois to Rolando and Mary Ellen Tenne. He was the second of four children born from this union. His mother often shared that he was born the day before Kennedy was assassinated and that while the country was mourning, they were experiencing pure joy in his birth. Mike passed away September 8, 2022 at the age of 58 after a brief illness.

Mike’s first ten years were spent living in South Holland, a suburb of Chicago. It was here that Mike made the start of his many lifelong friends. His love of baseball also started here where he joined his first Little League team. Mike went on to play baseball, mostly as a pitcher, and also played outfield through most of high school.  He had a special talent for pitching left-handed while hitting and throwing right-handed.  He spent many years playing on local teams. He even played softball for several years as an adult. He hoped to attend spring training in Arizona, and that wish will be realized by those still here.  

In the spring of 1973, Mike’s family moved to Boise, Idaho where he attended Valley View Elementary, Fairmont Junior High, Capital High School and Boise State University.  He graduated from Boise State with a degree in Marketing/Business.  Tales from college shenanigans brought much laughter and insight as friends shared many memories of their BSU days and early days in Bellevue, Kirkland and Alki Beach as they started careers and enjoyed many fun times together.  It was said that Mike was often the voice of reason, sparing many of his friends from what most likely would have resulted in much graver consequences.

Upon his graduation from Boise State, Mike moved to the Seattle area where he worked briefly in insurance and then for almost 30 years at Boeing where he supported multiple business units and programs. He worked in Fabrication as part of ADC, IAS and Business Operations as both an individual contributor and a manager.  He also supported the 747/767 program as a first line leader. Mike made lasting connections with people all across the company and was a valued leader and ally who displayed the proper mindset and approach to truly make a difference.  Many coworkers described him as ‘one of the good guys’.

In 1997, Mike welcomed his amazing son, Jacob Michael Tenne, into his life.  Mike took his role as parent seriously and provided constant guidance and support to Jake in his faith, schooling, career choices, work ethic, integrity and life.  He was so proud of the man he is and continues to become.  He bragged about him every chance he could.

In June 2004, Mike and Wendy’s cross-border romance began, leading to a walk down the aisle when they wed on June 3^rd, 2005 at the historic “Little Church of the West.” They purchased their first home together in Burien, WA which became a hub for visiting family and friends. Nothing made Mike happier than having a house full with the people he loved.  He enjoyed the ‘hum’ of multiple conversations going on at once.

Mike and Wendy had just celebrated their 17^th wedding anniversary. Discussions would always to turn plans for their eventual retirement, the extended European vacation, exploring the East Coast of the United States and Canada and finally living under the same roof fulltime.  As Mike would say, Life is what happens when you’re making plans.

I will cherish and be sustained by all the wonderful memories of the life Mike and I shared. I love you LB, my best friend, my love, my renaissance man. Forever yours, HB.

Mike is remembered for his strong faith, love and loyalty of family and friends, Italian and Irish heritage, his unwavering generosity, kindness, and his keen gift for remembering the intricate details of everything - never missing a beat when asked about any specifics. He took special care of Mom on his visits to Boise and any occasion he deemed fit to send a gift or two. Many memories include trips to visit him in the Seattle area going to Anthony’s or pizza at Alki Beach, attending Mariner games during the Ken Griffey Jr. era, burgers by the Lochs in Ballard, home-cooked meals, hanging out with his son, Jacob Michael “Jake”, and ferry rides across the Sound. He was a phenomenal problem-solver, always giving sound advice for whatever was shared with him. He was able to see the big picture in things and also had a dry, witty sense of humor. He was a talented writer as well.

His siblings recall him instigating many pranks in younger years and in adult years spending many hours on calls discussing parenting strategies and imparting knowledge about life’s goals and problems. Mike had the ability to listen, offer advice, and tell it straight – if needed. He was wise beyond his years. He had an especially close relationship with his younger brother, Tony. 

Mike enjoyed a good round of golf, traveling, gardening, family time, cooking, watching his hummingbird friends and insuring they had a constant and fresh supply of what Mike called Hummer Crack.  He shared that it is important not to wait to do the things you want to do and to tell those you love that you love them.

Mike is survived by his wife, Wendy; son, Jake; mother, Mary Ellen; siblings: Mark (Sandy), Katie (Bob) Walker, Tony (Alie); nieces and nephews: Nicole Henry, Sean and Maggie Walker, Megan, Nicolas, Jack and Joe Tenne; and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Rolando Tenne. A special thanks to his friends, Jerry and Sherry, who took extra care of him and all the friends and family who showed so much support and love during this time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Nature Conservancy in your state toward the preservation of the hummingbirds, PanCan (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network), or your favorite charity in his name.  Mike would also appreciate it if you put up a hummingbird feeder or two.  He just asked that you don’t put in ‘that red-dye crap’ and take the time to boil 4 parts water to 1 part sugar, cool, and feed your hummers.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on October 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 7960 W. Northview Ave., Boise, ID 83704.  Reception to follow immediately after the service. Per his request, he will be buried next to his dad at Dry Creek Cemetery, Boise. Arrangements are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian.  www.AccentFuneral.com