Tamara L. Arbach

Tamara L. Arbach, age 65, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the local hospital.  Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.  Pastor Steve Biswell will officiate.

Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Tamara “Tammy” Louise Arbach, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born in Irene, SD on September 20, 1959. 

Tammy grew up in Strandburg, SD, where she spent her childhood on her parents' ranch, developing a love for horses, barrel racing, 4H judging and competitions, tractor driving, and cutting. Her bond with her sister, Teresa, was unbreakable. Teresa was her shadow and they did everything together. Tammy attended school in Revillo, graduated from Clear Lake High School, and later attended Mitchell Technical School where she furthered her education.

In 1977, she married Dale Bublitz, and together they raised two daughters, Jeannie and Jennifer. In 1987, she married Steven Arbach, and their union brought three more daughters into her life: Stephanie, Lindsey, and Heather. Tammy’s unwavering dedication to her family was a cornerstone of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.

Tammy’s career journey was marked by a passion for both her work and creativity. She thrived in optometry while also honoring her artistic talents, from creating beautiful special occasion cakes to oil painting, gardening, and eventually owning her own painting business. Her creative spirit and hard work shone in everything she did.

Beyond her professional life, Tammy loved spending time at the lake, enjoying family game nights, and gathering with friends for darts, bags, and pool. She also loved traveling on recent trips with her partner, Randy Maag, creating lasting memories that will never be forgotten. Tammy’s love for crafts was evident in the beautiful items she created, often using her mother's cherished vintage sewing machine.

Tammy was the light in every room. She was a wonderful mother, always offering support, love, and guidance to her family. Even if that meant countless phone calls offering a listening ear to her five daughters. She had the warmest smile and was welcoming to everyone, a friend to many.

Tammy left this world on December 3, 2024, at the age of 65, in Watertown, SD, leaving behind a profound legacy of love, kindness, and strength.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her significant other, Randy Maag; her daughters, Jeannie Bublitz (Tim Lawler) and Jennifer Jensen (Jason Bateman) of Altamont, SD, Stephanie (Christopher “Chris”) Coolbaugh and Lindsey Arbach (Christian Cruz) of Watertown, SD, and Heather Arbach (Mark Sontag) of Sioux Falls, SD; her grandchildren, Jordan Winters of Clear Lake, SD, Coby Jensen of Watertown, SD, Taylor Bublitz, Brady Boyle and Addison Bublitz all of Altamont, SD, Isla and Amos Coolbaugh of Watertown, SD; her sister, Teresa (Dan) Kaaz of Madison, SD; her brother George Jacobson of Sioux Falls, SD; her nephews James and Jay; and additional extended family.

Tammy Arbach is preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Jeanette BaanHofman; Fiancé Randy Smith; and grandson Dylan Jensen.

Tammy’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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