Tracy O. Jennings Sr.

Tracy Owen Jennings Sr. was the victor on Monday, March 11, 2024 when he met Jesus face to face, to be taken Home after an 11 year-long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family who adored him. He was born on August 5, 1943 at home in Soldiers Grove, WI to Roderick and Norma (Edge) Jennings.

James 1:2-4 ESV - Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 fit Tracy's life to a “T”. He found joy in all things, at all times beginning as a small child who loved to play tricks and make jokes. This joy was a constant in his life right up to his last breath. 

Tracy was married to his high school sweetheart Shirley (Luxton) on November 17, 1962. Together they brought six children into the world while farming the family farm among many other jobs.

In his younger years, Tracy broke quarter horses to ride and sell. He never broke a single heart until the day he left us to find his joy and reward in Heaven. Some of the other numerous titles Tracy held through his lifetime were a custodian and bus driver for the Reedsburg School District for 30 years. He also drove school bus for the Weston School District for several years. He was a farmer for more than 60 years. Tracy was an Auctioneer Colonel while owning and operating Jennings Auction Service for 20 years where his fun, comical style garnered a large following to the auctions he held.  In his retirement years, he was a much requested driver of his Amish neighbors who also became dear friends. During his final months, the Amish community sent scores of people to visit with and sing hymns to Tracy when he was housebound.  But of all of his titles, his greatest ones held were Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. 

Tracy loved raising his children with Shirley and watching them participate in all of their activities but the real apple of his eye was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Watching him kneel in a sandbox to play tractors, giving wheelbarrow rides in the barn, holding a little one sleeping in his arms while raking a field of hay or racing any one of the grandkids to the house from the barn in a foot race was a beautiful thing to behold and will be among many of the countless memories that we will cherish forever. Grandpa was never too busy to make it to a sporting event where he was always the kids, grandkids or great grandkids biggest fan! He found great joy in being on the sidelines cheering them on. When big life events happened for kids and grandkids he would be waiting with an open ear, intently listening to every word. He was quick to say “I love you!” and “I'm so proud of you!” every chance he got.  

If there was a deal to be had, Tracy could find it. More vehicles, farm implements, horses and other animals were bought, sold, traded, and bartered for than can be counted. He found much joy in dealing on cars for his kids and grandkids always coming out of the dealership feeling like a prize fighter who had just won the championship match after getting the cheapest deal to date! None of us ever purchased a vehicle without input from Dad and Grandpa.  We aren't sure how we will navigate future purchases without him.

Tracy was quick with a smile, a hello and a handshake, being a friend to all. He leaves behind very few strangers but a host of people whose lives will be a bit dimmer without him in it.  We are grateful to know he was welcomed through Heaven's gates by so many who love him and Jesus himself! We draw comfort knowing he is now seated at the right hand of Our Lord and Savior in Paradise. His legacy will live on in the people he brought so much joy to in his lifetime.

Tracy is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Renae (Jim) Sieber, Tracy (Becky) Jennings, Kerry Jennings, Mitzi (Jed Seidl) Jennings and Brent (April) Jennings; grandchildren: Christina Jennings, Kimberli (David) Potteiger, Mariah (Tim) Green, Clayton (Jacqueline Zoubek) Jennings, Monty Jennings, Savannah (Ruger Johnson) Jennings, Parker Jennings, Jed Sieber, Garrett, Isaac, and Eli Jennings; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister Linda (Kirby) Simpson; sisters-in-law Kathy Jennings and Maureen Luxton, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded by his infant son Darrick; parents, Rod and Norma; mother and father-in-law, Viola and Garold Luxton; his brother Kevin; sisters-in-law Vicki Luxton and Pat Visgar; and brother-in-law Chuck Luxton.

Funeral services for Tracy Jennings Sr. will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Advent Christian Church in LaValle with Pastor Andy Johnson officiating. Burial will be made in the Norwegian Cemetery, Westford Township, rural Cazenovia. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Cazenovia Chapel and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. A memorial fund has been established in his name.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.

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