Cliff grew up in Greencreek, in Idaho County, on a multigenerational family farm.  His son and daughter-in-law now have the reins and are carrying on the legacy of the Tacke farm.

Tacke has actively been involved in state organizational leadership roles for nearly two decades. He served as the Director of the REA Electrical Co-op, and as a member of both the Idaho County Weed Board and Idaho County Soil and Water District Board.  Tacke was also a member of the Idaho Health Systems Agency for several years.

Tacke is actively involved in his church and in his community. He studied Soil Science at the University of Idaho and enjoys snow skiing and playing and studying music. Cliff and his wife Sue have three children and seven grandchildren.