Tamara Ruppel Ryan Memorial

Tamara "Tami" Lynn Ruppel Ryan, 57, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025.

The Funeral Service for Tami will be 2:00 pm Friday, November 14, 2025, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 255 West 10th Street, Dubuque, with The Rev. Kenneth Bickel officiating. Inurnment will be in the First Congregational United Church of Christ Columbarium. Friends may gather with the family following the service for a Celebration of Life from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Hotel Julien.

Born in Peoria, Illinois on August 9, 1968, Tami moved with her family to Dubuque in 1980, where she made her home and devoted her life to faith, family, education, and community. She married Steven P. Ryan on June 16, 1990. Together they shared more than three decades of love, partnership, and family together.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steve, her daughter, Taylor Paige (Derek) Barnhouse and grandson, Caden Phillip, of Urbandale, Iowa. Tami cherished Caden who will deeply miss his "Grandma time" singing "You Are My Sunshine" and their special FaceTime lunches. Tami was looking forward to celebrating the arrival of her granddaughter, expected in December.

Tami is also survived by her parents, Phil and Judy Ruppel; her brother, Jeff (Lisa) Ruppel; her brothers-in-law, Terry (Mary) Ryan, Todd (Karen) Ryan, Stan (Tammy) Ryan; her sister-in-law, Cathy (Randy) Wehling; her nieces and nephews: Jack, Teddy, and Ben Ruppel, Kristi (Garret) Peters, Kelly (Jacob) Pfundheller, Austin (Anna) Ryan, Cody (Avriel) Ryan, Josh Ryan, Emily Ryan, Katie (Jordan) Kaiser, and Mitch (Taryn) Wehling, as well as her great nieces and nephews.

Importantly, Tami loved her many close friends who were like family to her.

Tami was preceded in death by her infant daughter Margaret Lynn, her mother-in-law, Verna Ryan, and her father-in-law, Thomas Ryan, and her grandparents.

Tami spent her life in service to others. For twelve years, Tami served on the Dubuque Community School Board, serving as vice-president and president. She enjoyed being a member of PEO Chapter IK for 36 years, holding many offices in the organization. She was also a former board member of the Finley Health Foundation and Two by Two Education Development.

Tami graduated from Hempstead High School. Coe College was Tami's Alma Mater. As a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, she enjoyed to this day, the friendship and traveling with many of her sisters.

Continuing her love for education, Tami served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Dubuque. She also taught in the Des Moines Community Schools, inspiring students with her wisdom and compassion.

Tami's faith was important in her life. As a member of First Congregational Church for more than 40 years, she shared her gifts through teaching Sunday School, serving the CAFé mission's work in addition to holding leadership roles in the church.

Tami's legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Her greatest legacy was being a loving and supportive wife, mother and daughter.

She will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her joyful laugh, and the deep love she poured into every life she touched. Those who know Tami also remember and appreciate her strong will, which she exhibited throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Crocus Foundation or Two by Two Character Development, honoring Tami's lifelong commitment to service and community. The family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses, clinicians as well as Hospice of Dubuque personnel for their care, compassion, and attention to Tami the past two and one-half years.