Tammy Corkrean

Tammy Marie Dillenburg Corkrean, 60 of Van Meter, passed away at her home on June 21, 2026. Tammy was born February 7, 1966, to Harvey and Phillys Dillenburg. She graduated from Orient-Macksburg High School in 1984 and went on to earn her master’s degree in special education from Grand Canyon University.

Tammy worked as a teacher and consultant in the Des Moines Public School District until her retirement in 2025. She took great pride in her work and was committed to ensuring that everything she did was in the best interest of her students.

Tammy and Paul had the opportunity to live in many places during his military service including Montana, Florida, Nebraska and eventually Alaska. Each location provided them new opportunities to enjoy all things outdoors as a family. Paul, Tammy and Theo always enjoyed traveling and camping, especially places they could bike, fish, hike and play golf. When they weren’t traveling, Tammy enjoyed working in her garden and flowerbeds or spending time at her childhood family farm helping her parents and brother with outdoor jobs.

Wherever she was, Tammy was always up for whatever people wanted to do. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends just visiting and laughing.

Tammy is survived by her husband Paul of 41 years; her son, Theodore Corkrean; her parents, Harvey and Phillys Dillenburg of Creston; brother, Troy and wife Tonya and family of Orient; great aunt, Janice Johnson; aunts, Marylin Rectenbaugh, Beverly Brewer and Caroline Dillenburg; uncles, Dana Rectenbaugh and Pete Lyle; and godparent, Linda Christensen. She is also survived by her in-laws, Mike Corkrean, Joe Corkrean, Julie (Keith) Wheeler all of Winterset, Tim (Sherry) Corkrean of Ames, Peggy (Dan) Harry of Chinook, MT, Chris Corkrean of Orient, Mary (Jim) Allen of Van Meter, Jenny Corkrean and Cindy Weisz of Ankeny, and Teresa (Mike) Thompson of Macksburg; and many close relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Theodore L. and Thelma O. Dillenburg, and Vernon F. and June Rose Gissible; uncles, Bill Gissible, Junior Dillenburg and Dale Dillenburg; aunt, Connie Lyle; and great aunt, Elva Gissible. She was also preceded in death by godparent, Dwight Christensen; in-laws, Phillip and Barbara Corkrean; sister-in-law, Tina Corkrean, brother-in-law, Jim Corkrean, and many other close relatives.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 29th, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winterset. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 30th, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will be at the McDonald-Chase Cemetery in Winterset.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a future designation.

The family of Tammy wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to all who have reached out to them. Your generosity and prayers are so appreciated at this difficult time.