Tammy Marie Gardner

Tammy Marie Gardner, 61, of Villa Ridge, MO, a beloved wife, daughter, sister, and friend to many, passed away after a short battle with cancer, during which she received the compassionate care of hospice, on Sunday, November 26, 2023. A service in honor of Tammy will be held at 11 am, Friday, May 31, 2024, with a visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m., at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge. Jeanne Putnam will be officiating the service. Burial will be held at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home. 

Tammy Marie Krauth was born on August 23, 1962, in Wheaton, MN, to Vernon and Mildred (Ries) Krauth. Tammy's life was filled with joy and laughter. One of her fondest memories was singing and dancing with her siblings whenever they got together. Their favorite song to perform was "Small Town" by John Mellencamp. It was in these moments that Tammy's amazing sense of humor shone through. With her unique laugh and carefree nature, she brought so much happiness to those around her.

After graduating from Graceville High School in 1980, Tammy joined the United States Air Force on January 28, 1981. She began her basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, and continued her military education at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. It was at the Grand Forks Air Force Base where she met her soul mate, Mike Gardner. They exchanged vows on February 1, 1985 and built their home in Grand Forks before moving to Villa Ridge, MO, to be closer to Mike's family.

During her time in Villa Ridge, Tammy worked in the restaurant industry where she served and got to know many wonderful people. But it was within the walls of their home that Tammy and Mike truly found happiness. Their warm and laughter-filled home became a symbol of Tammy's welcoming nature.

Tammy had a special bond with her dog, Blizzard. They shared an unbreakable connection filled with love and endless spoiling. Together, Tammy and Mike embarked on a few memorable vacations, including trips to Cancun, Mexico. The loss of her beloved husband on February 23, 2011, forever changed Tammy. Part of her heart went with Mike when he passed away.

Tammy will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by stepdaughters, Stephanie and Melissa; mother, Mildred (Ries) Krauth; siblings, Teresa (Glen) Roberge, Paul Krauth, Diane (Steven) Biggs, and Karen (Scott) Olson; six grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.             

She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Mike Gardner; granddaughter; father, Vernon Krauth, and sister, Judee.         In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests all memorials to be made to Fargo National Cemetery, 8709 40th Avenue North, Co Rd 20, Harwood, ND 58042, or to a cancer organization of your choice in honor of Tammy Gardner.