Tamera Jo Gram

Tamera Jo Gram (Tammy Hartema) 60, of Waterloo, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021, at her home.

Tammy was born on December 21, 1960, in Waterloo. She was the daughter of Marlene Simmerman and step daughter of Gary Simmerman and attended East High School.

Tammy and Mike Hartema shared a civil union for many years and recently became engaged to be married.

She worked for a few companies throughout her life such as Beatrice Cheese, APAC Teleservices, and Winnebago Industries. Most recently retiring as an in home caregiver due to cancer.

Tammy, to some known as Goon, had the biggest most kind heart and always thought of others. She enjoyed many things like going on motorcycle rides, spoiling her pets, listening to music, feeding geese, playing games, snuggling and being around her grandbabies. She embraced the simple pleasures in life and made everyone laugh. Her love for others was strong. She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

Tammy is survived by her fiancé, Mike Hartema; daughter, Bobbi Jo (Aaron Brinyark) Gram of Cedar Falls; sons, Eric McLaughlin of Waterloo and Nathan McLaughlin of West Union; a stepson, Tanner Hartema of Waukon; 7 grandchildren, Landyn, Westyn, and Braelyn Brinyark' Ayden McLaughlin, and Janie, Monroe, and Easton Brymer; a brother, Ken Simmerman of Waterloo; and a brother in law, Kim Cordes of Waterloo..

She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Pam Cordes; brothers, John Myers and Ron Simmerman (who passed April 21); and a stepson, Austin Hartema.