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Tracy Wayne Johnston

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University of Dayton

Tracy Johnston Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 26 to Mar. 27, 2023.

Tracy Wayne Johnston passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the age of 60. He was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota to Wayne and Saundra (Apka) Johnston.

Tracy grew up working on the family farm in Elmore, Minnesota. At 17, he embarked on what would become a highly successful, 40+ year career with the United States Air Force. His work spanned many technology areas and had a positive impact on our nation's security. His dedication, ability to influence, and eagerness to mentor others, made him an amazing leader and friend to many. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Wright State University in Electrical Engineering (EE), followed by his Master's in EE from the University of Dayton. After retiring from the Air Force, he joined Matrix Research as Chief Engineer, managing various classified programs. Tracy's accomplished career was a testament to his strong work ethic, intelligence, leadership skills and his unwavering commitment to his country.

His engineering prowess extended beyond his professional career. At home, there was no task or project he couldn't tackle. Those who knew Tracy describe his presence as "larger than life". His quick wit and sense of humor were difficult to match. He enjoyed golfing, playing poker, sipping a fine wine, and sharing an occasional cigar with his buddies. Tracy was a gentle giant with a heart of gold and was a role model to many. He was most comfortable relaxing in his armchair with his two beloved dogs by his side.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Terri (Imfeld) Johnston. His mother, Sandy Johnston; sisters Tamera Johnston (Kris Olson) and Marinda (Steve) Gansmoe; brother Cameron (Vachelle) Johnston. His Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, William and MaryAnn Imfeld; sisters-in-law Lisa (Marty) Rucidlo and Lynn (Josh) Pierringer; brother-in-law Kenny (Sharnett) Imfeld. Nephews Brandon (Heather) Wannarka, Travis (Michelle) Wannarka, Joseph Wannarka, Tanner Gansmoe, Will Imfeld, Luke Imfeld, Noah Imfeld and Roman Pierringer. Nieces Danielle (Joe) Wressell, Taylor (Nick) Weiss, Tiarra (Kevan) Kent, Grace Johnston, Madison Johnston, Gabby Imfeld, Brielle Imfeld, and Riley Pierringer. Numerous grand nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Johnston, and niece Annaliese Price Rucidlo.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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Recent Activity

June 22, 2023

Steve Ploss posted to the memorial.

April 22, 2023

Luther & Judy Storey posted to the memorial.

April 5, 2023

Seng Hong posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

Steve Ploss

June 22, 2023

Terri, I'm so sorry for your loss. Although I haven't seen Tracy in a while, I will miss him. He was a great engineer when I worked with him at H4F in the early 90's. I had a great time playing cards with you and him and the others. (I made sure not to bring more money than I could afford to lose.) He was one who turned me on to the Flowbee and I still use it regularly to this day. His legacy will live on.

Luther & Judy Storey

April 22, 2023

Our heartfelt condolences Terri, Tracy was a good friend, you both helped me through a difficult time in my life, for which I will be forever grateful.
Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
Thanks
Luther (Lou) and Judy Storey

Seng Hong

April 5, 2023

I worked with Tracy (aka TTG) at the Hanger 4F in the early 1990's, then at the AFRL Sensors Directorate. Tracy was a hard worker, not only technically savvy but also a very skillful handy man and a generous individual. He will be missed...

Peter Marasco

March 30, 2023

I can't say enough about the positive influence Tracy was in my career. Leader. Mentor. Friend. He will be well remembered and missed.

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Christie Bryant

March 28, 2023

The unexpected death of Tracy has been hard to comprehend. My parents and the Johnstons have been close friends and travel buddies for years, but I also had the pleasure of working directly with Tracy more recently. His personality was infectious and he was a natural leader and encouraging mentor. I will miss having Tracy in my corner (whether it´s work related guidance, real estate advice, or diagnosing a weird noise out of my car) and I know many many others will too. Wishing comfort for Terri, his family, and many friends

George Dalton

March 28, 2023

Tracy loved to get out on the links and was very kind to those of us with little skill. Just a lot of fun to be around!
He will be sorely missed.

SUSANNE HARROD

March 27, 2023

Larger than life is a perfect description. When he left my office it was always with a smile and the feeling nothing was impossible. Our hearts go out to Terri and his family. His presence will be missed but what he left in your hearts lives on.

Candace Arends

March 27, 2023

We have fond memories of a young Tracy helping us on our Elmore acreage. He had a smile that melted hearts and a work ethic unmatched. He grew into an amazing and accomplished man and he will be greatly missed.

Cheryl Waker

March 26, 2023

Tracy's mom and my mom were childhood friends so that made our whole family friends - really more like an extension of family. We spent some summer vacations fishing "up north" in Minnesota. I have a great photo from 1975 with Tracy wearing his fishing hat and bell-bottom pants. The photo also includes his siblings and my sister. We were standing at the beginning of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park. Great memories. Tracy will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Tracy's family at this difficult time.

Kurt Hildebrant

March 26, 2023

I worked with Tracy at Hangar 4F, WPAFB, He was a great guy. I will always remember him trying some Dave's Insanity hot sauce at lunch and turning the color of a beet! Condolences to his family.

Joe & Lisa Sacchini

March 26, 2023

Terri and family we are devastated by Tracy´s passing. No words can express how very sorry we are for your loss. Tracy´s friendship is irreplaceable. Our deepest sympathies to your family and know that our thoughts are with you.
Joe, Lisa Joey and Tyler Sacchini

Jim Volz

March 26, 2023

My best memory of Tracy was in 1980 floating across a lake in the Boundary Waters of MN the day after graduation . He had been dared to shave his legs and so it happened , 1 leg over the side of the canoe with shaving cream and it was done !!! If I remember correctly the bet was for the use of mosquito spray later that night !!!!!

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