Richard L. Tracy

Richard Lee Tracy, aged 76, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was called to Heaven by the Lord our God, from his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, November 9th, 2023. Richard was born October 13th, 1947, in Eau Claire, to Henry and Marie Tracy (née Malone). He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Debra Willett; and his uncles, John Malone and Shirlyn Tracy.

In his youth, Richard participated in Little League and high school baseball. He graduated from Janesville Craig in 1966 and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy from February 1967 – January 1971.  Richard married the love of his life, Carol, on February 22nd, 1969. Together they raised five loving daughters. He adored Carol and believed that she helped him become the best version of himself, enabling him to be a positive influence on the lives of others. He returned to Eau Claire, WI, after his service and took a position at the local paper mill where he worked until retirement, in 2010.

Dick was a music lover who enjoyed big band music and the crooners of the 50’s and 60’s. He sang often, even though he struggled to carry a tune. He also loved to play practical jokes on his family. That guy would do anything to bring about smiles and laughter.

Richard was active in sports. He participated in softball, golf, and bowling and was an avid Badgers, Packers, and Brewers fan. Dick also enjoyed watching a variety of sports, especially golf, baseball, NASCAR, and college basketball.

He took tremendous pride in his landscaping and always maintained an impeccably manicured lawn. Heaven forbid you mowed it “wrong”.  His other interests included taking cruises with family, visiting casinos, buffet dining, and all desserts. The man loved food.

These insights only skim the surface of a man who was beloved and beyond description. In his final days, Richard summed up his life, just as he had Carol’s home-cooked meals: “very good”.

Richard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol Tracy (née Wright); daughters, Dawn Tracy-Mahuta, Jacquie Tracy, Elizabeth Tracy, Kristina (Ahren) Michelbook, Hazel (Billy) Bohman; grandchildren, Connor Mahuta, Ian Mahuta (fiancée, Rebecca Eastwood), Avery Bohman and Archer Bohman; sister, Patricia Tracy; and half-sisters, Nance Steele and Jackie Tilkens; as well as his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

He is already deeply missed and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 – 8 p.m., Monday, November 20 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 21 at Hallie United Methodist Church with Rev. Don Drollinger officiating. Visitation will also begin at 10 a.m. at the church on Tuesday.

Interment will at Prairie View Cemetery in the village of Lake Hallie, with Military Honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Following the interment, there will be a Celebration of Life beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Wild Ridge Golf and Event Center, 3647 Kane Rd., Eau Claire.