Tammy Fay (Mertz) Malburg

Tammy’s life began March 12, 1959, in Hancock, Michigan. She spent her childhood and young adult years growing up in Hancock. While returning to the main land on the Ranger after working on Isle Royale over the summer she met Daniel Malburg, a passenger on the Ranger coming back from a backpacking trip. They spent two years corresponding and making a long distance relationship work until October 10, 1981, when they married at Church of the Resurrection in Hancock, Michigan. The young couple moved to Southwest Michigan where Daniel was already working. Tammy loved being a wife and mother and took pride in caring for her house and family. Her favorite activity was grabbing a Biggby with her son and constant companion Jon, then exploring the countryside. Tammy also enjoyed music, shopping, reading her bible and enjoying her grandchildren.

Tammy leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory including: her husband of 40 short years Daniel Malburg; five children Joseph (Ana) Malburg, Christopher (Heather) Malburg, Peter Malburg, Jonathan Malburg, and Kate (Jonathan) Dorband; seven grandchildren Benjamin, Jacob, Coden, Haiden, Sirius, Waylon, and Anastasia; three siblings Nancy Beaudoin, Carol Waisanen, and David Mertz; six siblings-in-law Nancy Malburg, Carl Malburg, Louise Kludy, Ralph Malburg, Duane Malburg, and Mary Ann Marsh; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tammy died Monday, December 20, 2021 at Spectrum Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan. Her parents Carl and Cecile (Whinnen) Mertz and six siblings Charles, Marilyn, Frederick, Glen, Edward, and Sherry precede Tammy in death.

Friends may visit with Tammy’s family, Friday, January 7, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with the Rosary being recited at 7:30 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Her life will be celebrated Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 11:00 AM with a scripture service. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Watervliet. Tammy was a giving and loving person who always supported Birthright of St. Joseph, Covenant House, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Contributions to any of those charities in her name would honor her wishes. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Tammy’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com

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