Tammy Renee Tufte, 64, of York, ND, passed away surrounded by her family, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at her home under the care of hospice. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Sharon Baker officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the reception at the St. Petri Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural York. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Leeds Lutheran Church (P.O. Box 308, Leeds, ND 58346), the St. Petri Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund (4743 55th St NE, York, ND 58386), or Heart of America Hospice (800 Main Avenue South, Rugby, ND 58368).

Tammy Renee was born October 4, 1961, to Mannon and Karen (Kinneberg) Geisen in Cando, ND. She was raised and educated in Leeds, graduating with the Leeds High School Class of 1979. Tammy began her lifelong career at the Haaland Home in Rugby, serving residents with compassion and dedication for over 41 years. She was united in marriage to Gary Tufte on April 3, 1981, in Leeds. Together, they made their home in rural York, where they continued to reside throughout their life together.

Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, Mannon and Karen Geisen; her sister, Teri; her nephew, Carson; great-nephew, Tatum Mitzel; her maternal grandparents, Roy and Sally Lunde; and her paternal grandparents, Ed and Christine Geisen; her father and mother-in-law, Bennie and Fern Tufte; her brothers-in-law, Carl Duchscher and Jim Tufte.

Tammy enjoyed deer hunting and fishing with her husband, tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, attending family events, and took great pride in her work. Her nieces and nephews were truly “her kids.” As she once wrote, “In an Aunt’s heart, there’s a space no one else can fill… meant only for her nieces and nephews.” She lived that sentiment wholeheartedly treating them as her own, attending all their activities, and celebrating every milestone with joy and enthusiasm.

She made holidays and family gatherings magical. Tammy delighted in arranging special visitors for the children—whether it was the Easter Bunny on Easter, the Grinch at Christmas, Trolls at a birthday party, or sparklers outside on Christmas Eve. She had a heart of gold.

Tammy especially loved planning Halloween events at the Haaland home, dressing up, and creating unforgettable trick‑or‑treat experiences. Christmas was one of her favorite seasons; she filled it with games, creative gifts, a toast to the year, and often wore her beloved Santa hat. She had a remarkable knack for crafting imaginative gifts and activities for every family gathering. She also had a special love for anything Minnie and Mickey Mouse.

Tammy was deeply involved in her community and a proud supporter of United States Veterans. She was an active member of the York American Legion Auxiliary, dedicating many years of service.

Tammy dedicated over 41 years of service to the Haaland Home in Rugby, enriching the lives of residents with her creativity, compassion, and unwavering commitment. She was proud of where she began and how she worked her way up to the director’s role. She made sure her residents were always engaged, entertained, and surrounded by joy.

Tammy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gary; her siblings, Kim (Greg) Mitzel, Brenda (Randy) Silliman, Timothy Geisen, and James Geisen; brother-in-law Paul (Karen) Tufte; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Duchscher and Diane Tufte, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.