Tammy Olson never met a stranger—only friends she hadn't had the chance to visit with yet.

Born on September 29, 1961, in Wadena to John and Yvonne (Weller) Tigges, Tammy grew up in Detroit Lakes, where she developed the warmth, wit, and gift for friendship that would become her trademark. After high school, she met the love of her life, Jeffrey Olson. They married in 1983 and began building a life together in Baxter, where Jeff established his dental practice and Tammy quickly established something just as important: a community.

Moving to a new town can be difficult, but Tammy made it look easy. Whether around a kitchen table, on a backyard deck, or lakeside with a good book in hand, she had a way of making people feel welcome. Friends knew there was always room for one more chair, one more story, and one more laugh.

Her years at Baxter Elementary were a perfect fit. Tammy genuinely cared about people, especially children, and her kindness and empathy touched countless students, parents, and coworkers. She had a way of noticing when someone needed encouragement and offering it without fanfare.

Tammy loved sunshine almost as much as she loved conversation. She could often be found reading by the pool, relaxing at the lake, or sitting by the dock soaking up every precious Minnesota summer day. She appreciated life's simple pleasures and believed they were best enjoyed with family and friends nearby.

But if there was one thing Tammy loved most, it was her family. They were the center of her world. She was a devoted wife, a proud mother, and an adoring grandmother. Her grandchildren will forever have a notebook full of Yahtzee scores—and the competitive skills to prove it. While some grandparents leave behind family recipes, Tammy may be remembered just as much for teaching the next generation how to roll a clutch full house when it mattered most.

Like all lives, Tammy's journey was not without challenges. She faced struggles that tested her strength and, at times, made the road difficult. Yet those who loved her choose to remember the woman behind those struggles: the caring friend, the loyal wife, the devoted mother, the proud grandma, and the person whose laughter could fill a room.

Tammy passed away on June 8, 2026, at the age of 64, surrounded by the love of the family she cherished so deeply.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff; daughters Jennifer (Brian) Schumacher and Emily (Derek) Walters; her father, John Tigges; grandchildren Connor and Madison Walters, and Collins, Griffin, and Harry Schumacher; brother Jeff (Carol) Tigges; and sister Terri (Carl Hutt) Sims.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Erin; her mother, Yvonne; and her brother, Dan Tigges.

While her family mourns her loss, they also celebrate a life filled with friendship, laughter, love, sunshine, books, lakeside afternoons, and countless games of Yahtzee. Those gifts remain, carried forward in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Memorials are preferred to the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation. Please visit their website at: https://bpsf.org/donate

Please join her family to honor Tammy's Life on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd. They also welcome you to start gathering one hour prior to the service and stay for a luncheon to follow. Private interment at Baxter City Cemetery.