Tamara Lynn Gunlock passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2025, at the age of 53. Though her time with us was far too short, she lived each moment with purpose, laughter, and love.
Tamara, lovingly known as Tami, was born on January 18, 1972, in Central Point, Oregon, to Steven Tjaden and Karen Geier. She was the proud older sister to Chad Tjaden and grew up in Helena, Montana, where she graduated from high school in 1990. Tami later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and served as a Financial Officer for the State of Montana—a career she carried out with dedication and integrity.
Tami had a contagious zest for life. Her hugs and back massages were unforgettable, and anyone lucky enough to receive one would tell you just how special she made them feel. Her heart was fullest when surrounded by family—especially her husband Chuck, her grandbabies, and her beloved dogs. She found joy in the outdoors, ATV rides, camping, music bingo, and—true to her spirit—declared every song her favorite. She was known for her bright smile and ability to make any gathering feel like home.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother Mary; uncles Bill and Gary; and her in-laws, Dan and Maxine Gunlock.
Tami is survived by her loving husband, Chuck Gunlock; her mother, Karen (John) Geier; her father, Steve Tjaden; her son, Cody (Katelyn) Fiske; stepdaughter, Alexendra Gunlock; brother, Chad Tjaden; niece, Sydnee Tjaden; Jayde Annau; and grandchildren: Tyzer, Austyn, Blayke, Charley, and Bryggs. She also leaves behind extended family and a wide circle of friends, including Bruce and Linda Tjaden, David Griffith, and Robert and Nancy Barnard, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 10, 2025 at 2 PM, Main Street Park in East Helena, Montana. All who knew and loved Tami are welcome to attend and share in honoring her beautiful spirit.
“It’s a hard truth one day, we’ll have to live without the people we love most. A parent, a sibling, a best friend…or they without us. So hold them close. Appreciate them now. Because none of us are promised forever.”
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00pm
Saturday May 10, 2025
Main Street Park
105 E Main Street
East Helena, MT 59635
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00pm
Saturday May 10, 2025
Main Street Park
105 E Main Street
East Helena, MT 59635
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Deb Hofland says
My thoughts are with Cuck and family and friends. Tami was such a nice person and great spul.
Jennifer says
Amazing woman love that lady prayers for Chuck and all family and friends.
Cindy Backeberg says
Tjaden and Gunlock families,
I’m so saddened to hear of your lose. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tami always had a smile on her face and a softness in her heart, she will be horribly missed. Keep good memories close and know you have many friends and loved ones to lean on.
Cindy (Randall) Backeberg
Carynn LeMieux and Phillip. says
Thanks for all the snowmobiling memories and fun times. Was so much fun watching Tami grow up. So sad to have her leave us at such a young age. Love and prayers to Chuck and family, TJ, Karen,Chad and all family members.
Taylor berg says
Chuck and family this loss is hard to imagine so sad. Rose and I enjoyed our outings in Lincoln and especially our chief mountain trip I will never forget our times together.
Fly high Tammy we will meet again and take another trip together our hearts are broken ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Bret Yost says
Tami was such a great person and friend! We reconnected as friends at our 20TH High school reunion when she twisted my arm to go dancing and sing karaoke with a bunch of us class of 1990 kids after night one of the reunion! She always had such a great personality and was full of laughter! Most of all, she was a kind-hearted person and such a sweet soul. I have great memories of Tami. She will be missed greatly by all of us.
My heart goes out to her family.
Nancy Duel says
Tamara, You always had that beautiful smile on your face! You were always the Friendliest young lady! You were the first one to always welcome people with a smile and a friendly Hello!
You surely are going to be missed by many people who loved you dearly! Rest in peace my little friend! God bless you! The Duel Family Loved You Honey
Sue Leferink says
Tami was so kind hearted and caring. It was an honor and privilege to work with her. She was so smart and knowledgeable. Tami was a wonderful person and a joy to work with. I will miss her very much. I keep expecting to walk in the door and see her. Praying for all who knew her and are struggling with this loss. May time ease our sorrow. I am grateful for the wisdom and insights she shared with me. Thanks Tami for the difference you made in this world.
Cindy Donnell says
To the whole family of Tami, my heart is broken and I can’t begin to know what you are going through. She was an amazing person who always made everyone smile. She so loved you Chuck, and was sure to tell us all what an amazing husband you were. RIP Tami, you will be missed by many ❤️🙏
Sheila Pfeifer says
Tami, You are going to be missed immensely by all who knew you. You were always so happy and so much fun to be around. I will never forget all of the great times on the girls ride with you.
Tara Ferriter- Smith says
Tami was a beautiful soul and lit up any room she walked into. Chuck, Steve, Karen, Chad, and families our hearts go out to all of you. Cherish your memories. Hugs and love to you all.
Debbie Jean says
Tami always had a smile on her face and was ready for a good time:) Such a sweet soul! Rest in peace sweet girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Steve, Karen, Chad, Chuck and the rest of the family!
Deb
Erline Clark says
Cody and Katelyn,
I am so very sorry for your loss!
May great memories replace the holes in your hearts.
Sincerely
Erline Clark
Shelly Gloege says
Words cannot even express how sorry I am to hear this! Tami was so much fun to be around and always happy, I am going to miss that big smile! I am thankful I got to go every year on the girls ride and will never forget all of the happy memories we all made. Fly high my friend!!
Samantha Mongoven says
You left a mark on all of our hearts that we will never forget. You always brought joy and smiles to everyone in your path. God bless everyone who will miss you, you’re leaving a huge hole of love and laughter. Rest in peace.
Helena Cycle Center Staff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Chuck and the whole Gunlock family during this difficult time. We will certainly miss seeing Tami’s smiling face.
Andy says
Tamara Lynn I will miss your smile
Terry Hodik says
Tami will be missed deeply. She had that infectious laugh that everyone that knew her can surely remember! Her smile that was always there no matter the occasion. And that beautiful soul that would light up a room even before she entered it. Tami always called me her brother from another mother and I was honored to hear her say that! I miss and love Tami for the memories she left with everyone. Until we meet again Tami…
Vicki Hampson says
Please know you are all in my deepest Prayers. So very sorry for you loss.
MARY YURICIC says
Steve and Chad We are so sorry for your loss of Tami. We haven’t seen her in several years but had so many friends in common and the the many kind words are a tribute to the Tjaden Family. Much Love and Prayers Mary and Rocky Yuricic
Nanette Hicks says
If everyone could be like Tami this world would be a beautiful place. I’m sending hugs and prayers of comfort to all her family and friends. Hold all your memories close to your hearts and she’ll be just a memory away. Fly high sweet girl.
Rhonda Gatch says
Tami will be greatly missed, her laugh was contagious….let not forget the one summer where all she could say was “Let me pet that dog!”
Bonnie Hoge says
I am very sorry for your loss Chuck and all the family members. Chuck, we had so much fun on our Dearborn float with Pete and Miss Cindy. Tami was fun to be around and she always went out of her way to treat me with kindness and be kind as a friend. She will be greatly missed.
Scott and Dorothy Virag says
We are going to miss her smiling face and her amazingly happy demeanor. Always got a hug and smile. Such a ray of sunshine. Tami will be held in our heart and memories forever. Hugs and prayers for the entire family.
SHerri L Jacobsen says
Was shocked to see this! Have many fond memories with Chuck and Tami! Atv trips to Marysville, drags in Vegas! Just hanging out whenever I came to Helena! Tim loved u guys! Hugs to u all! Sherri Jacobsen
Jan Hernandez says
Chuck and Tami’s Family,
At a time like this, words fail to heal the broken soul, answer the many “whys”, or comfort the empty arms… we want to bargain with God “Let it be me!” when we know the outcome cannot possibly change no matter the number of tears we shed. This is grief. Deep grief of the loss of one as young and sparkly as dear Tami… My heart breaks, yes for her sudden departure from this world, but also for each one of you. The journey ahead will be rocky… When you need to vent, find me. I’m always around to listen… my prayers now that the Lord brings you peace.
Motherlode Staff says
Tami, we all miss your beautiful presence that you shared with each of us 🥹 We loved working with you, and your infectious fun and grace when a customer. Rest now in the presence of God… and if you have time 😁 intercede for us when we get outta line! Lol Thanks for being “You!” Miss you!
Monica Latham says
Tami your were such a great boss and friend. I learned so much from you about accounting but more importantly I learned about patience and kindness.
Carrie Schell says
To ALL of the family, friends and the people that never got the opportunity to know Tami, she was someone I grew up with, a friend, a co-worker and someone that I will say loved her family beyond measure. She always had a big heart for her family, her father, son, brother and so so many friends. I do not like to think your gone forever, just someone now who is saving spots for the rest to join someday. Tami was such a beautiful sole! Her big blue eyes, and soft-spoken voice and smile that will never be forgotten. YOUR SO LOVED BEYOND MEASURE!!! MUCH LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY…………
Connie and Tim Ferriter says
Chuck, Chad, Steve, Karen and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Tami. Tami always had a smile on her face and brightened everyone around her. She will be dearly missed. God Bless you all