JANESVILLE - James E. Tracey, age 80, of rural Janesville, WI, died on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at Rock Haven Nursing Home. He was born in Janesville on February 10, 1928, son of the late Ambrose P. and Frances M. (Ryan) Tracey. James was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church where he also attended grade school. He later graduated from St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee and returned to Janesville to help on the family farm. James served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, achieving the rank of Sergeant, from October 24, 1950 until he was Honorably discharged on September 11, 1952. James later married Karen B. Fossen on February 12, 1955 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She predeceased him on February 19, 2005. Along with his crop farming, James also worked at the US Post Office in Janesville for 25 years, retiring in 1989. James was a very caring, good natured person, with a great sense of humor, who loved to tell stories. He was also a very knowledgeable person, who could talk to anyone for hours on end. James was a very avid sports fan, playing softball in many different leagues, as well as playing hockey, basketball, golf and following his beloved Cubs and Packers. Over the years, he had made many sets of golf clubs for all of his family and friends and he was very proficient in adjusting them as well.
He is survived by his five daughters: Susan (David) Anderson of Green Lake, WI, Linda (Bill) Reilly of Brodhead, WI, Karen "Beth" (David) Pakes of Monroe, WI, Marge (Dick) Gunn of Janesville, WI and Mary Hantke of Hanover, WI; 13 grandchildren whom he was very proud of: Joe, Jim, Aaron, Anna, Ben, Phil, Tracey, Bob, Becky, Christine, Abby, Amy and Alissa. He is further survived by two sisters: Mary (Phil) Eiden of Janesville, WI and Betsy (Bob) Raymond of Janesville, WI; his brother: Mike (Pat) Tracey of Milton, WI; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his son: Michael who died in infancy, and three brothers: Joe, Pat and Edward.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 315 Cherry St., with Fr. James Kuhn and Monsignor Jim Gunn officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with full Military Rites provided by VFW Kienow-Hilt Post #1621. Visitation will be on Monday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME, 15 N. Jackson St., JANESVILLE, (608)752-2444, and on Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
He is survived by his five daughters: Susan (David) Anderson of Green Lake, WI, Linda (Bill) Reilly of Brodhead, WI, Karen "Beth" (David) Pakes of Monroe, WI, Marge (Dick) Gunn of Janesville, WI and Mary Hantke of Hanover, WI; 13 grandchildren whom he was very proud of: Joe, Jim, Aaron, Anna, Ben, Phil, Tracey, Bob, Becky, Christine, Abby, Amy and Alissa. He is further survived by two sisters: Mary (Phil) Eiden of Janesville, WI and Betsy (Bob) Raymond of Janesville, WI; his brother: Mike (Pat) Tracey of Milton, WI; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his son: Michael who died in infancy, and three brothers: Joe, Pat and Edward.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 315 Cherry St., with Fr. James Kuhn and Monsignor Jim Gunn officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with full Military Rites provided by VFW Kienow-Hilt Post #1621. Visitation will be on Monday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME, 15 N. Jackson St., JANESVILLE, (608)752-2444, and on Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.