Rose Ann Tracy

Rose Ann (Nesemeier) Tracy, aged 73, died peacefully on February 1, 2018 at her home in Cal-houn, Georgia, with her husband by her side after a brief struggle with cancer. Rose was born July 13, 1944, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Lynn Nesemeier and Luella (Becker) Nesemeier. Rose thoroughly enjoyed cooking, camping and gardening. She spent countless hours canning vegetables, making sauerkraut, pickles and spaghetti sauce and providing for her husband and family. No one ever left her house hungry. She was an excellent cook and bartender and had a great sense of humor. And she loved to tell jokes. On May 7, 1987, Rose married the love of her life, Gary Lee Tracy in Monroe, Wisconsin. They lived in Shirland, Illinois and upon retirement, built a homestead in Spooner, Wisconsin before finally settling in Calhoun, Georgia. One of their favorite things to do in retirement was to con-nect the camper to the back of the truck, load up her three precious dogs and go wherever the road took them. In her final weeks, Gary rarely left her side and was an incredible source of sup-port and comfort for her. Her sons would like to publicly express their gratitude to their step-father for his undying commitment to their mother in her final weeks. In addition to raising her sons, she volunteered her time at Dakota High School sewing flags for the marching band, coordinating costumes for theater productions and making donuts for fund raisers. She was always there to lend a hand. Rose is survived by her husband, Gary, sons Todd (Denise) Morden of Palatine, IL, Craig (Bina) Lenz of Jackson, GA, Jeffrey Lenz of Spooner, WI, Christopher (Michael Forest) Morden of Lake Sherwood, CA, stepchildren Colleen Russell of Vincennes, IN, Shannon (Brad) Hudson of Oak-town, IN, Deborah Gerke of Pearl City, IL, and Gregory Tracy of South Beloit, IL, several grandchil-dren and great grandchildren as well as sisters Barbara Miller, Rita (Jerry) Anderson and Nancy (Thomas) Giuffre and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Randall Nesemeier. Rose has chosen to forgo memorial services, encouraging friends and loved ones to remember her in their own way. Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Rose Ann Tracy.