Tanya Kazmierczak, 40, died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 26, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Aaron Zuch officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, August 31, 2012 at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM on Saturday at the church. Tanya Marie Briggs was born on August 14, 1972 in Crookston, MN the daughter of Kenneth and Muriel (Michaels) Briggs. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN. Tanya attended elementary school in Crookston, MN and Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, MN. On August 15, 1992 she was united in marriage to Jeffrey Kazmierczak at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN. They made their home in Thief River Falls and to this union three children were born, Mathew, Jordan and Katelynn. Tanya dedicated her time to raising their children. Tanya worked for a short time at the Best Western and for a few years at Arctic Cat both in Thief River Falls. She opened her home to her sister when she needed a caregiver and also to a friend when she needed a caregiver. Tanya loved camping, playing kubb, going to the lake, sitting by the campfire, watching a good movie, listening to music, and spending time with family, friends, and her puppy, Daisymae. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Survivors include her husband, Jeff; children, Mathew, Jordan and Katelynn; mother, Muriel Briggs all of Thief River Falls; brother, Steven Briggs; sisters, Diana (Vince) Blokzyl all of Crookston, Gail Briggs of Ada, MN, Brenda Johnson of Thief River Falls; foster parents, Joe & Glenda Wessel of Thief River Falls; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Tanya is preceded in death by her father, Kenneth; sister, Wendy Shimpa; brother-in-law, Keith Johnson; father and mother-in-law, Anthony and Bonita Kazmierczak; niece, Leah; nephew, Tommy; and foster parents, Gordon and Merle Torgerson. Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com