TRAVERSE CITY – Tamara Ann Dunklow, 67, passed away peacefully at her home after a brief battle with cancer leaving behind emptiness that can never be filled.

Tami was born in Flint, Michigan on 7/13/58 to Bernard and Evelyn Johnson. Her family moved to Traverse City in '65 where Tami grew up on Long Lake, attended TCSF and graduated from TCHS with the Class of '76. She attended NMC, then transferred to the University of Michigan where she received a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene in '80.

Tami married Doug Dunklow on 9/1/79 at St. Francis Church in Traverse City. After graduation, the couple relocated to Ludington where Tami began what would be a 30+ year career in dental hygiene. In 1988, they built their dream home on the Buttersville Peninsula on Lake Michigan. Tami worked in the same Ludington dental office most of her career, retiring from dental hygiene in 2012. She enjoyed interacting with the patients/friends she met throughout her career. In 2020, they returned to Traverse City to the second home they had built together in 1996 on the Old Mission Peninsula.

Tami is survived by her husband Doug, mother Evelyn, brothers Jeff (Janice), Robert (Michael), Mark (Leslie), and James (Ida), sisters-in-laws Kathleen (Scott) Beiser, Kristin Dunklow, Suzanne (Scott) McCarthy, numerous nieces/nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Bernard, and father and mother-in-law Henry and Mary Dunklow. Tami raised four wonderful Siberian Huskies Kotas, Nikki, Tasha, and Loki (survives).

Tami loved the Ludington and Traverse City areas. She enjoyed all seasons. Her favorite pastimes included walking her dogs, going for boat/car rides along the Lake Michigan shore and around the Old Mission Peninsula, especially on East Grand Traverse Bay (occasionally enjoying a late afternoon beverage at Petobego sandbar). She loved sitting on the deck or going down to the beach to enjoy the spectacular Lake Michigan sunsets. She loved reading, homemaking, cooking in her kitchen and cheering her Michigan Wolverines.

Thanks to Tami's family, many friends and Munson Hospice that helped honor Tami's wish to spend her last weeks at home. The companionship and assistance provided made her wish a reality. Tami was Doug's world, best friend, teammate and life partner in so many ways. An exceptional bond that ended too early.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation for Tami will take place on Thursday, April 16 at 10:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with a Funeral Mass starting at 11:00. Burial will take place later. Memorial donations honoring Tami can be made to St. Joseph Church, Munson Hospice, Great Lakes Humane Society, or a charity of your choice (no flowers).