Tammy Claeys

Tammy Claeys, 54 of Ludden, ND passed away March 14, 2025 at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on February 19, 1971 at Aberdeen, SD to Darrell and Sharon (Reich) Johnson. She attended grade school in Bath, SD and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1989. Prior to her marriage, Tammy lived in Aberdeen where her apartment was "wallpapered" with posters of her favorite bands. Playing music brought Tammy such life and was a way of expressing herself, especially listening to her favorite "hair band music".
On August 20, 1996, Tammy married her best friend and soulmate Mathew Claeys. They made their home 11 miles east of Hecla until 2014 when they bought their place 2 miles north of Ludden.
Tammy was a daughter, sister, wife, and mother who lived her life with an unapologetic spirit. She overflowed with unconditional love, accepting and supporting of everyone. She could be standing in fire and still share a smile with anyone who needed one. Tammy's kind heart found her always wanting to help people and would give the shirt off her back to someone in need.
As a mother, she never missed showing up for her children's sports games, concerts, plays-always present for every important moment. She was so proud of them and loved sharing their accomplishments with others, especially their music and artwork. She loved watching her husband, Matt, play video games and occasionally took up the gun to help him win at Descent or kick everyone's butt at Pinball.
Tammy was a force of nature, from her witty comebacks and playful teasing to her spirit of taking part in bad ideas. She was brave, resilient, independent and always advocated for her loved ones to embrace their individuality. She made friends wherever she went, leaving a lasting impression of genuine warmth and love.
Tammy enjoyed hanging out with family & friends and her contagious smile and laugh would light up the room. She enjoyed reading books and some of her favorite authors were Stephen King, James Patterson and Clive Cussler. She also enjoyed all comedies, Sci-Fi shows and could watch Star Trek 24-7. Tammy earned her Green Belt in Taekwondo.
Tammy will be forever loved and missed by her husband Mathew; daughters, Shanelle (Brynn Teske) Claeys and Cheyenne Claeys; her mother Sharon Johnson; sisters, Kristi (Dave Bergwall) Johnson, Carrie (Leroy) Golden and Terri (John) Dahlquist; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and one great niece. Tammy was preceded in death by her father Darrell and both grandparents.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 pm at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Oakes. Tammy's service will be livestreamed below.