Tami PETERSEN

July 21, 1960 - July 5, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and tearful eyes that we say goodbye to Tami, who passed away at home in Spokane, WA, after a brief illness. Her vibrant spirit and sense of fun made every day feel a little brighter. She lit up every room with her energy, and her presence made the ordinary feel magical. Though she left us too soon, the love, joy, and laughter she brought into our lives will remain with us forever.

Tami was born in Harlan, Iowa, and began her education in Elk Horn. She went on to attend Grand View College in Des Moines, where she played basketball for two years before finishing her collegiate career at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Her passion for the game never faded, and she remained a lifelong, loyal fan of both Gonzaga basketball and Iowa Hawkeye sports. Tami worked for 35 years as the Mailroom Manager for Spokane Colleges, where her dependability, humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with. Her team members will remember her for her leadership, hard work, and laughter every day.

To know Tami was to know someone always up for fun. Mischievous, witty, and endlessly energetic, she made us laugh-often until our sides ached. Whether it was cracking the perfect joke, making up silly songs, or turning an ordinary moment into something unforgettable, Tami had a gift for reminding us not to take life too seriously.

She embraced life with kindness, a sparkle, an open heart, and a generous spirit. There was always time for another story, another song, or a toast to celebrate love, friendship, or simply the joy of being together.

Tami found great happiness at the cabin on Sacheen Lake, where she cherished every moment in the water-swimming, floating out to "Poop Rock," or splashing around with anyone she could convince to join her. She and her brother Dean shared a special connection through hunting and trapping. She shared a deep bond with her sister Judy, with whom she lived. Whether they were watching sports, tackling projects, gambling or just sitting on the deck with coffee, they did it all together-always with plenty of laughter and fun. Tami treasured her close bond with her nieces and nephews, loving every game played, every laugh shared, and every memory made together. Her playful spirit, warm heart, and deep love for family made her an unforgettable presence in everyone she touched.

She leaves behind her family who adored her: her brother, Dean (Mary); sister, Judy; nephews, Chris (Gina), Ben, Stefan (Jessica); and niece, Amber (Evan). Her great-nieces and nephews will miss the playtime and the special gifts she always shared. She also leaves behind a wide circle of friends who cherished her presence and the joy she brought into their lives. We are so grateful for the memories she gave us.

We will miss her every single day, but we'll carry her with us - in the laughter we share, the fun we chase, and in the spirit of never being too old to be silly.

Rest easy, Tami. Thank you for reminding us how to play, how to love, and how to live with joy.

Funeral services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow at Kimballton Town Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, in care of Dean & Mary Petersen, 1380 250th St., Audubon, IA 50025.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Spokane, WA, on Saturday, September 6, from 2pm-4pm in the Northern Quest Casino's Loft Room.