Tammy Pethan

Tammy Sue Pethan, age 61, of Chilton, died on Monday, July 7, 2025 at her home in Chilton. She was born July 29, 1963 in Chilton, daughter of Carol Jean (Behnke) Arenz and the late Gerald C. “Jerry” Arenz. On August 25, 1989, Tammy married Michael J. Pethan at Zion Lutheran Church in New Holstein.

She was a longtime, active member of St. Martin Lutheran Church in Chilton where she managed the office and helped keep the day to day tasks running smoothly. It was through her continual church support that she made many friends over the years through the various church functions she helped organize.

Not only did she cherish her faith and her church, but Tammy also had a great appreciation for the community where she lived. She was paramount in the establishment of the Chilton Booster Club, helped run the Chilton Youth Football program for many years, and served as the secretary of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce. It was through her 26 year chamber membership, that Tammy seized the opportunity to establish the Crafty Apple Fest which is held every year in Chilton.

When Tammy wasn’t lending her talents to her church or her community, she looked forward to going on trips with her “sisters” or taking her mom shopping to pick out fresh and new outfits.

Above all of the joys Tammy had through life, nothing brought her more happiness than time spent with her family. She continually mentioned how blessed she was to have grandchildren in her life and she treasured time babysitting them or working on a craft project with them. Their mere presence lit up Tammy’s world and warmed her heart beyond measure.

Survivors include her mother: Carol; her husband: Michael; her children: Jordan (Karen) Pethan, Tyler Pethan, Preston (Dana) Pethan, Daynen (Abigail) Pethan; grandchildren: Leah, Hannah, Morgan, Cooper & Beau Pethan; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Andrew & Valeria Pethan; a brother: Terry (Carrie) Arenz, and her siblings-in-law: Mark (Julie) Pethan, Sue (Keith) Daun, John (Katie) Pethan, Karen (Dan) Stefaniak, Dave (Becky) Pethan, Ellen (Ken) Geiser, Dan (Kathy) Pethan, & Lisa (Dan) Averkamp. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tammy was preceded in death by her dad: Jerry Arenz; and an infant sister-in-law: Laura Pethan.

Funeral service will be at 11:30 am on Monday, July 14, 2025 at St. Martin Lutheran Church (717 Memorial Dr.) in Chilton with Rev. Thomas Schmitt officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025 and at the church from 9:30 am until 11:00 am. At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a memorial video or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.

Tammy’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, police officers, paramedics, and dear friend Mike Klaeser as medical examiner for their prompt assistance as well as Rev. Thomas Schmitt for his pastoral presence and prayerful comfort.

You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her, or you can be full of the love that you shared.