Tamra A. Klongland
December 30, 1958 - June 02, 2020
Obituary
MADISON – Tamra Ann Klongland, age 61, passed away from a brief and courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. She was born on Dec. 30, 1958, in Madison, the daughter of John and Arlene (Barnett) Ellingson.
Tammy graduated from LaFollette High School with the class of 1977 and went on to graduate from UW-Madison. Tammy later attended UW-Whitewater where she received her Master’s in Counseling and Guidance. She was united in marriage to Kurtis Klongland on Aug. 7, 1982.
Tammy had a very successful career working in human resources for many years with Pleasant Company, Tomotheraphy and Alliant Energy, just to name a few. Before her retirement she worked part time at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She easily made many friends and was well respected among her peers. Tammy loved planting flowers, cooking, reading, socializing and hosting get-togethers with her family and friends.
Tammy is survived by her mother, Arlene; husband, Kurtis; daughters, Emily (Travis) Mai and Alison (fiancé, Chad Smith) Klongland; sister, Tenley (Tim) Williamson; and brother, Tom (Angi) Ellingson. She was preceded in death by her father, John Ellingson; and sister, Tracy Ellingson.
In keeping with Tammy’s wishes, a private family viewing was held. Special thank you to Dr. Elizabeth George for her many years of compassion and care as a physician and as a friend. Also a thank you to her special friend, Robin Zimmerman whose long and special friendship meant the world to Tammy.
Though Tammy will be dearly missed, her family is comforted in their belief that she is finally at peace and no longer suffering.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in Tammy’s name to the Humane Society of your choice. Online condolences and personal memories are encouraged to be shared at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
LS
Lori Slauson
Other •
Tammy was a coworker and friend. She was always concerned about other people and was a good listener. She always had a stash of food at her desk that she was willing to share and shared with me often. I will miss her smile and her sweet snicker/shrug. Good-bye my friend.
E
Elizabeth
Other •
Tammy -you were a wonderful person and it was an honor knowing you. Rest In Peace🙏🏻. Kurt, Emily & Allison, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May All the lovely memories bring you comfort at this time. Elizabeth George
KT
Karen Torvell
Other •
I had the pleasure of working with Tammy at the Department of Agriculture before her retirement.. She always had a smile on her face. We discovered that we were both Lancers but 10 years apart. Tammy was so proud of her girls and I loved it when she shared the wedding pictures from the destination wedding, she looked like she was having the time of her life. I will miss chatting with Tammy on FB and seeing her smart-alec comments. Love you Tammy may you rest in peace.
DB
Debbie Beich
Other •
Kurt, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
CP
Cindy (Hickey) Plummer
Other •
Although our paths did not cross often as we got older, one of my most impactful life events was having you as a friend.
During a time of turmoil, chaos and unrest for me as a young girl, you and your family, without judgement, took me under your wings.
Treating me with integrity and respect and including me in a family vacation. This was the best medicine that summer.
My mom and I were thankful for you and your family who showed us much love and kindness.
I have been and always will be grateful to you and your family for your generosity and support.
This was impactful in my life, making a difference to me. Helping me grasp the meaning of paying it forward.
Forever grateful,
Rest in peace my friend.
Cindy (Hickey) Plummer
MY
Melinda Young
Other •
I was lucky to work with Tammy at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Such an innocent-looking master of snark. She'd listen to us grouse about some problem, and then she'd sum it up with a perfect, frothy, spot-on bit of sass. We all need someone like Tammy in our lives.