Tracy Jay Hausz

1962 - 2025

Tracy Jay Hausz Fort Atkinson, WI - Tracy Jay Hausz (née Frentzel) passed away peacefully at home on November 12th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and close friends after a long-fought battle with complications from cancer. In 2008 she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, which she managed to beat and survived another 17 years against all odds. In recent years, Tracy's health made it difficult for her to leave her home, but it never dimmed her spirit. Even as her body grew weaker, she remained full of love, humor, and gratitude.

Tracy was born June 5, 1962, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, to Dorothy "Pat" Frentzel and William Oliver Frentzel. After her mother remarried, she was lovingly raised as well by her stepfather, Jim Bauschek. Tracy graduated from Fort Atkinson High School and went on to seek adventures in Mobile, Alabama, Houston, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana - all places she made her own before eventually returning to Wisconsin.

Tracy loved the community of Fort Atkinson. She was committed to supporting local businesses, artists, and the spirit of a small town that cares for its own, including proudly serving on the Board of Directors for the Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce. She believed in investing in the people and places that shaped her.

Tracy lived a life marked by creativity. She was deeply artistic and had a gift for turning a house into a reflection of warmth and beauty. Her home she shared with her husband Don is filled with carefully chosen artwork, rugs, and pieces she loved - and so often, the people she loved too.

She had a lifelong passion for travel, whether it was to explore new cities, enjoy live music, or see Broadway shows. Music was always close to her heart, especially Van Morrison, the Eagles, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. She loved to cook for family and friends, and hosting was not a chore to her, but instead one of her love languages.

Tracy was kind, thoughtful, and generous, and she was proud of her 19 years of sobriety, a milestone she honored with gratitude and strength. She was also a devoted Wisconsin sports fan, especially the Brewers and Packers, and Sunday gatherings for football were an ongoing tradition.

She liked to say that the two things she always wanted were ice cream and world peace, and anyone who knew her will agree that she meant both sincerely.

Tracy is survived by her husband of 29 years, Donald; her stepchildren, Craig (Michelle) Hausz, Brynn (Jason) Hausz, and Malorie (Brian) Peter, her grandchildren, Morgan, Cameron, Penny, Fiona, Marty, and Dorothy; her brother, Mike (Jolayne) Frentzel; her niece and nephews, Caroleigh, Lucas, and Emery; her aunt and uncle, Bill and Barb Kelly; and friends who were family to her, Debbie & Bruce Tipton and LuAnn Hausz.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and stepfather.

Tracy will be remembered for her creativity, her hospitality, her generosity, and her love of family and friends. She made life warmer, kinder, and more beautiful. The people she loved are better for having been loved by her. Tracy had a gift for noticing what mattered, elevating the simple, and reminding others that life is richest in the small, shared moments.

"Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly." - Van Morrison

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorials in Tracy's name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com