Tamara "Tammy" Buriak

Tamara “Tammy” Aileen Buriak, 63, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center. A gathering to remember will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, at St Mark's Episcopal Church, 1007 1st Avenue South - Fort Dodge, Iowa, 50501. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge.  

Tamara was born August 15, 1961, in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Richard and Coletta (Grunwald) Reiter. She graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1980 and continued her education at Jones College in Jacksonville, FL where she earned her BA degree. She proudly served her country in the U.S. Air Force from 1980 - 1982. On February 15, 1986, she was united in marriage to John Buriak in Camden County, Georgia. Over the years, Tammy was a homemaker and an Insurance Adjuster. Tammy was an avid baker, renowned among family and friends for her exquisite cakes. Beyond the kitchen, Tammy found joy in fishing which brought her peace and contentment. Music and crafting were other significant aspects of her life. A devoted dog lover, Tammy shared a special bond with her beloved pets: Holli and Fiona. They were her loyal companions, providing unconditional love and companionship.

Tammy is survived by her husband of 38 years: John Buriak of Fort Dodge; 3 children: Tiffony Buriak-Patterson and husband Casey of Milton, FL, Joshua Garner of Jacksonville and Natasha Wilbanks of Middleburg, FL; 5 grandchildren: Dylan Henrickson, Tera Waterman, Caiden Wilbanks, Jayce Wilbanks and London Garner; and 5 siblings: Barbara Reans of Arizona, Bruce Reiter of Fort Dodge, Roxanne Hall of Fort Dodge, Crystal Chong of Sioux City, IA, and Cosette Nettles of Arizona. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents.