Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan

Tracy Earl Morgan, 64, of Grand Ridge, Illinois, passed away at home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, children and his beloved dog.
Born December 25th, 1960, in Marengo Il, to Earl Laverne and Virginia A. (Mack) Morgan. Tracy married the love of his life and childhood sweetheart, Bethany R. Benson, on June 14th, 1981. Together they welcomed 3 children, Bonita (1983), Rebekah (1984), and Daniel (1989). Tracy was a member of Holy Trinity Church in Streator, Il. His faith in God was something he shared openly and often. He was steadfast in the knowledge he was saved by Christ, and his death was not the end, but just the beginning; we would meet again.
In 1982 Tracy joined the US Navy where he proudly served on the USS James K. Polk submarine as a Nuclear Reactor Operator until 1989. His service led him and his growing family through 5 states along the east coast.
After serving in the Navy, Tracy and his family headed back to Illinois and found a house they made their home in Grand Ridge. Tracy continued to serve his community in many ways here. He joined the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT and eventually retired from duty as a Lieutenant after 20 years. He was always there to lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and family.
Tracy's love and devotion to his wife Beth was immeasurable. Through all the ups and downs of life, they celebrated and supported each other. He said they only continued to grow stronger together. After becoming empty nesters, they found a special place to visit where they could reconnect with each other and put aside the worries of daily life, in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. He loved everything about their visits there and felt closer to God.
As a father, Tracy took the role seriously. He taught his children discipline, work ethic, and how to respect others, as these were the values he lived by daily. He prepared them to become independent adults telling them "I'll teach you to do it right this time so next time you'll be able to do it yourself" while passing on valuable skills. He was loving and kind and had close relationships with them all as adults.
His grandchildren were a huge part of his life; with them he really showed his softer side. Known to 11 grandchildren as Papa, he loved to cuddle them as babies and as they grew he enjoyed special outings, slumber parties, sharing his many hobbies with them, and watching them at school and sporting events.
Tracy's work life following the Navy showcased his intelligence and strong work ethic. Working for several companies over the years where his knowledge of electronics and computer programming/automation were an asset. Eventually in 2014 he landed back with an old friend as Project Manager and dad joke aficionado at Scadaware in Bloomington, Il, where he retired from in early 2025.
He was a talented artist when working with leather, wood, or a camera. He could also add nearly any skill to his repertoire with a little research and practice. He had dozens of skills he mastered for hobbies over the years; hunting, fishing were his mainstays. Many times, these shared interests led to lasting friendships that he cherished deeply.
In May of 2019 Tracy was given the news that no one wants to receive. Advanced stage IV, Prostate Cancer, that had metastasized to his bones, a terminal diagnosis. After the initial shock, he found a team of doctors who gave him treatment options, he and Beth decided to take this challenge head on. Immediately he began treatments, followed by fundraising to support prostate cancer awareness. He was confident that his diagnosis could be used for something good. This led him to start an online support group for men with prostate cancer to connect and share followed by founding the Mohawk Mission, a 501c3 nonprofit to raise awareness and provide support for prostate cancer warriors.
Survived by his wife Beth, children Bonita (Bryan) Borem of Ottawa, Rebekah (Cory) Bierdeman of Washburn, and Daniel Morgan of Decatur, his beloved dog, Ruger, grandchildren Owen, Damien, Harmony, Earl, Aden, Triston, Isaac, Gabriel, Walker, Izzie, and Benjamin, siblings, Larry (Cindy) Morgan, Kristy (Art) Metzger, Terry (Ann) Morgan, special nephew Tracy (Jen) Cazee and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, and his sister Kathy Casey.
Memorial services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, October 25th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home, Ottawa with the Reverend John Gutz officiating. Military Honors will be performed by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Friday, October 24th at the funeral home.
Donations may be directed to Tracy's nonprofit Mohawk Mission ( www.MohawkMission.org ) or to the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.