TAMARA SUE THORNDYKE

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Tamara Sue Thorndyke, 65, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She died peacefully at UnityPoint Muscatine Hospital surrounded by family.

The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Inurnment in Greenwood Cemetery will take place at a later date with a private graveside service. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

Tami was born on January 3, 1960, in Muscatine, the daughter of Ralph and June (Brewer) Welsch. Tami was united in marriage to Mark Thorndyke on March 3, 1994, in Rock Island.

Tami touched the lives around her with her kindness and compassion. Despite facing many challenges in her life, she showed strength, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. Her legacy of love will remain cherished by all.

When Tami and Mark lived in Kilpeck Landing, they loved taking care of their farm animals and riding 4-wheelers. Tami liked working crossword puzzles and watching the Shepherd’s Chapel broadcast. She enjoyed spending time with her fellow residents at The Clark House.

Tami is survived by her sons, Cory (Brandi) Nelson and their children, Carter, Avery, Cali, and Harper of West Branch and Cody Nelson of Muscatine; grandchildren, Shane Blake, Jacob Herlein, Austin Herlein, and Kaiden Herlein (children of her daughter the late Clarissa Hoppe); grandson, Sedric Lamb; great granddaughter, Valerie Blake; and her sisters, Candis Reist of Muscatine and Desiree Welsch of Arizona.

Tami was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Thorndyke in 2016; her daughter, Clarissa Hoppe in 2019; her parents; and her brother-in-law, Doug Reist.

May Tami rest in eternal peace, free from pain, and may her memory forever warm our hearts.