Tammy passed away on the morning of August 14, 2004 at her residence in Troy, after a three-year fight with brain cancer. She was born September 29, 1960, to Ronald K. and Barbara Y. Stratman, the fourth of five children. The family lived in St. Ann and moved to Florissant when Tammy was 8. She graduated from McCluer North HS in 1978 and continued her education in art while working with her father and siblings to establish the family business. The family business back then consisted of selling patches and iron-ons on weekends from a trailer with her Mom and sisters while her father and brother raced motorcycles. In 1983, RK Stratman signed a contract with Harley-Davidson to print t-shirts for their dealerships throughout the United States. Tammy was instrumental in the negotiation of the contract and was responsible for designing the t-shirt graphics. In 1995, RK Stratman had grown to over 100 employees. The company purchased and began moving their operation into a building formerly owned by GTE in Wentzville, off of Hwy A. RK Stratman now employs 300 people and will continue to be managed by family, with the cooperation of long-term employees who have become extended family. Tammy was preceded in death earlier this year by her brother-in-law, Larry Lederer, who also worked for RK Stratman over 25 years.

Tammy lived, loved and worked with a passion like no other and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her spirit will live on in her two beautiful daughters and the many lives she has touched.

Beloved wife of Tim Brown; dear mother of Rachel K. Stratman and Samantha L. Brown; dear daughter of Ron and Barb (Bacon) Stratman and granddaughter of Mabel Stratman; daughter-in-law of Harold and Betty Brown; sister of Vicki Lederer, Rhonda (Greg) Thompson, Carl (Laura) Stratman and Andrea Norris; sister-in-law of Don Brown; dear aunt, niece, cousin and friend. A Memorial Service was held on August 19 at McCoy & Blossom Funeral Home in Troy, with Rev. Gary Stratman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Brain Tumor Assoc., Unity Health Hospice or the American Diabetes Assoc.