Tamra "Tami" Renee Rueschenberg
February 10, 1963 — December 10, 2024
Tamra "Tami" Rueschenberg, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on December 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was 61 years old.
Tami was born on February 10, 1963, to Raymond and Viola (Weis) Musich in Harlan, IA. The youngest of seven children, Tami showed an interest in nature and a love for music from a young age. Tami was a creative spirit, and music was a thread that ran through everything she did. She met Frank Rueschenberg while attending Harlan Community High School, but it wasn't until Frank stopped by her house on a motorcycle that he truly caught her attention. Frank was in a band, and Tami began attending his concerts, traveling to his shows at various local establishments in surrounding communities. Their love grew with each passing day, and their interest in music remained a strong part of the life they would build together. They enjoyed any chance to listen to live music and attended many concerts. They were married on December 11, 1982 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Harlan. Tami passed away on the eve of their 42nd wedding anniversary.
1982 was the beginning of a new chapter filled with love and excitement, welcoming their first child and celebrating their marriage. Tami and Frank were blessed with four children - Carlee, Jennifer, Jillian, and Marcus. Each child brought a unique light into her life. She was incredibly proud of her kids and was a constant source of love and encouragement. Tami enjoyed spending time with her family and saw beauty in the simplest things.
As her family grew, Tami's love only deepened, especially with the arrival of her cherished grandchildren. There was nothing she enjoyed more than spoiling them, attending their concerts and activities, and reading them their favorite stories. Tami found immense joy in being an active and loving grandmother.
Tami was known for her strength, unwavering support, and boundless generosity. Her smile and laughter were contagious, and her heart was full of kindness. She was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2018. She faced this challenge with the same strength, courage, and determination that defined her life. Throughout her valiant fight, she remained an inspiration to all who knew her, never allowing her illness to define her. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Tami continued to show unwavering love and support to her family. Her resilience and positive attitude were a testament to her incredible strength.
Tami will be honored to have her services and burial at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. Faith was an important part of her life, and this building housed many special moments ranging from baptisms, weddings for her children, and countless other sacramental celebrations. She and Frank also dedicated many years of service helping maintain the grounds and taking pride in the upkeep of the church. She was a CCD teacher and director, and the parish grounds always held a special place in her heart.
Tami is survived by her husband, Frank Rueschenberg of Westphalia, IA; children, Carlee Rueschenberg of Harlan, IA; Jennifer (Andy) Messersmith of Waukee, IA; Jillian (Adam) Hinners of Clive, IA; Marcus Rueschenberg of Westphalia, IA; four grandchildren: Miles Hinners, Mac Hinners, Audrey Messersmith, and Margo Messersmith; siblings: Carol Rasmussen of Omaha, NE; Nancy (Bill) Sniffin of Lander, WY; Rodney Musich of Harlan, IA; Terry (Sharon) Musich of Harlan, IA; brother-in-law Roger Thomsen of Harlan, IA, and many beloved in-laws and friends. Her warmth, love, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Viola (Weis) Musich, her sister, Patricia Thomson, brother Randy Musich, father and mother-in-law Delbert and Anna (Hastert) Rueschenberg, sister-in-law Carol Rose Musich, and three brothers-in-law, Bob Kloewer, Michael Rueschenberg, and Lee Rasmussen.
Tami was born on February 10, 1963, to Raymond and Viola (Weis) Musich in Harlan, IA. The youngest of seven children, Tami showed an interest in nature and a love for music from a young age. Tami was a creative spirit, and music was a thread that ran through everything she did. She met Frank Rueschenberg while attending Harlan Community High School, but it wasn't until Frank stopped by her house on a motorcycle that he truly caught her attention. Frank was in a band, and Tami began attending his concerts, traveling to his shows at various local establishments in surrounding communities. Their love grew with each passing day, and their interest in music remained a strong part of the life they would build together. They enjoyed any chance to listen to live music and attended many concerts. They were married on December 11, 1982 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Harlan. Tami passed away on the eve of their 42nd wedding anniversary.
1982 was the beginning of a new chapter filled with love and excitement, welcoming their first child and celebrating their marriage. Tami and Frank were blessed with four children - Carlee, Jennifer, Jillian, and Marcus. Each child brought a unique light into her life. She was incredibly proud of her kids and was a constant source of love and encouragement. Tami enjoyed spending time with her family and saw beauty in the simplest things.
As her family grew, Tami's love only deepened, especially with the arrival of her cherished grandchildren. There was nothing she enjoyed more than spoiling them, attending their concerts and activities, and reading them their favorite stories. Tami found immense joy in being an active and loving grandmother.
Tami was known for her strength, unwavering support, and boundless generosity. Her smile and laughter were contagious, and her heart was full of kindness. She was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2018. She faced this challenge with the same strength, courage, and determination that defined her life. Throughout her valiant fight, she remained an inspiration to all who knew her, never allowing her illness to define her. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Tami continued to show unwavering love and support to her family. Her resilience and positive attitude were a testament to her incredible strength.
Tami will be honored to have her services and burial at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. Faith was an important part of her life, and this building housed many special moments ranging from baptisms, weddings for her children, and countless other sacramental celebrations. She and Frank also dedicated many years of service helping maintain the grounds and taking pride in the upkeep of the church. She was a CCD teacher and director, and the parish grounds always held a special place in her heart.
Tami is survived by her husband, Frank Rueschenberg of Westphalia, IA; children, Carlee Rueschenberg of Harlan, IA; Jennifer (Andy) Messersmith of Waukee, IA; Jillian (Adam) Hinners of Clive, IA; Marcus Rueschenberg of Westphalia, IA; four grandchildren: Miles Hinners, Mac Hinners, Audrey Messersmith, and Margo Messersmith; siblings: Carol Rasmussen of Omaha, NE; Nancy (Bill) Sniffin of Lander, WY; Rodney Musich of Harlan, IA; Terry (Sharon) Musich of Harlan, IA; brother-in-law Roger Thomsen of Harlan, IA, and many beloved in-laws and friends. Her warmth, love, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Viola (Weis) Musich, her sister, Patricia Thomson, brother Randy Musich, father and mother-in-law Delbert and Anna (Hastert) Rueschenberg, sister-in-law Carol Rose Musich, and three brothers-in-law, Bob Kloewer, Michael Rueschenberg, and Lee Rasmussen.
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