MADISON - Tamara Marie “Tami” Ellestad, beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter and grandmother, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Tami was born to Sylvia Havey and Maurice Ellestad on Aug. 14, 1960, in Madison, Wis. She grew up with her four sisters in McFarland where she had a happy and wonderful childhood. The family moved to Madison and Tami attended LaFollette High School, class of 1978. She earned her associate degree at Madison Business College.

Tami then moved to Texas where she had the wonderful opportunity to become a cheerleader for the Houston Gamblers. She had an extensive dance education and loved performing and teaching dance. Her talent on the stage and her beautiful smile were a joy to behold. After returning to Madison, Tami continued to study dance and was presently employed at WEDC as an administrative assistant. Tami's colleagues can attest to her dedicated work ethic, contagious sense of humor and her love for celebrating each and every holiday. She decorated her office space just like she decorated her home for special occasions.

Tami and Dave Hayter were married in August of 1994. They resided on Madison's east side, down the road from Sylvia. Holly and Johnny were her pride and joy. She was at every game, cheerleading competition, dance recital and concert. Her priority in life was her family and she was a mom to everyone. Tami loved road trips with her family, doing puzzles, watching her favorite crime shows and playing with her exuberant dogs. Her dream was to go on another cruise, visit national parks and dip her feet in the ocean at the Jersey shore.

Tami's last day was spent as a caregiver for her mother, whom she cherished. She had a heart of gold and put everybody's needs before her own. We know that she is an angel in heaven with her dad, Maurice Ellestad; grandparents and family.

Tami is survived by her husband, Dave; her children, Holly Wilkinson (Nate) and Johnny; her sisters, Cynthia (Tom Hudkins), Lynn (Tim Keller), Maureen and Deanna; her mother and stepfather, Sylvia and Darrell Havey; many nieces and nephews; cousins in New Jersey; and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Tami will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens, followed by a luncheon at St. Dennis.

Tami, you are everything to us and you will forever be in our hearts. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Tamara M. Ellestad

August 14, 1960 - April 20, 2022

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