Tammy L. Buteyn

Tammy Lynn (Gerdes) Buteyn, 54, of Waukesha, passed away October 5, 2025 at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc. She was incredibly sweet, kind, and always put the needs of others above her own. She genuinely cared about those around her and had a beautiful smile that would immediately put you at ease. Tammy’s strong faith was an integral part of her life and a true comfort to her during her year-long battle with cancer. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.

Tammy was born February 22, 1971 to loving parents David and Carol (Linander) Gerdes in Winona, Minnesota. She attended St. Matthew's Elementary School in Winona and graduated from Winona High School in 1989. Tammy attended the University of Minnesota Duluth for a year, received her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1994, and earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2000. She made cherished, life-long friends throughout elementary school, high school, her undergraduate work, and grad school. She met her husband-to-be Matt Buteyn in 1992 in Eau Claire. There he began an eight-year test of worthiness that he finally passed on September 23, 2000 when they were united in marriage in Madison, Wisconsin.

Matt and Tammy enjoyed many adventures together. They traveled throughout the United States, hiking through the mountains out west, taking in Badger football games in multiple venues, and going to Avett Brothers concerts. They loved to share these big adventures as well as life's simple pleasures with family and friends.

In 2003 and 2005 they were blessed with two amazing daughters they could share these things with and indoctrinate introduce to their way of life. Not everything stuck, but their love of traveling and family did. That love shone brightest in Tammy’s happy place, Bozeman, Montana. Whether it was sitting on the porch of the Quilt Cottage, going out for breakfast with the girls, being coaxed on way-too-long hikes by her husband, or sharing a laugh out on the town, this is where she could truly relax and appreciate life.

During Tammy’s career as a physical therapist she worked at Columbia Hospital, Balistreri Physical Therapy, Medical Associates, Orthopedic Associates of Wisconsin, ATI, and finally Children’s Wisconsin Clinic in Delafield, where she worked the past decade. Tammy was an amazing therapist who didn’t just treat injuries, but took the time to get to know her patients and make personal connections with them. The stories shared about Tammy’s impact on both patients and co-workers are an enduring testament to her caring nature.

Tammy is survived by her husband Matt, her two daughters Sydney and Ellie, her parents David and Carol Gerdes, her sisters Cindy (Duane) Palubicki and Sandy (Clem) Clemmensen, her grandmother Verna Gerdes, her father and mother-in-law Phil and Joy Buteyn, and many cherished aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tammy was preceded in death by her grandparents Gorden Gerdes and Wilfred and Meta Linander.

The visitation will be Friday, October 10 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Randle Dable Brisk Funeral Home 1110 S. Grand Avenue Waukesha, WI 53186. There will also be a short visitation at 9:30 am on Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church 1052 Whiterock Avenue Waukesha, WI 53186 prior to the funeral at 10:30 am. The burial will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery with a luncheon back at the church after the burial.

The family would like to thank all the extended family, friends, co-workers, patients of Tammy, and students of Matt that have reached out to all of us during these challenging times. The outpouring of love and support for Tammy will never be forgotten.