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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
Ivan Tracy Obituary
April 27, 1945 - May 30, 2025
Ivan Carl Tracy passed away at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln, Neb. on May 30, 2025, at the age of 80. Ivan was born to Elaine Tracy (Groser Brackhan) and Norman Tracy in York, Neb. on April 27, 1945. He is survived by his wife, Jean Tracy; son, Scott (Sheila) Tracy; daughter, Holly (John) Hoxie; daughter, Wendy (Martin) Kahland; sister, Marlene (Karen) Tracy; brother, Marshall Tracy; brother, John (Jo) Tracy; brother, Dennis (Sheila) Tracy; sister, Juli (Calvin) Michaels; sister, LeAnne (Dan) Eaton; sister, Cindy Johnson; and brother, Lonnie Brackhan. Ivan has many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a big extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Norval Brackhan.
After high school, Ivan joined the United States Air Force. He served as a jet engine mechanic for four years, which included two tours in Vietnam. After the Air Force, Ivan joined the Nebraska Army National Guard and served for 10 years.
Ivan owned and operated Geneva Machine Shop, in Geneva, Neb., for many years. He also delivered mail for the U.S. Postal Service, until retirement.
Ivan had a deep passion for auto racing, especially sprint cars. His black number 12 sprint car was widely known and cheered for many years at Midwest Speedway, Eagle Raceway, and other tracks around the area. Ivan's name is well known and respected in the pits of many racetracks. Ivan was quick to lend a hand to other owners, crew chiefs, and drivers. He had many drivers over the years, and he especially loved helping young up and coming drivers start their sprint car careers. His favorite racing partner was his wife Jean, who he called the love of his life. Ivan and Jean spent years "chasing racing" from Nebraska to Arizona, from Texas to Missouri, from Arkansas to their favorite track in Knoxville, Iowa, and all around there weren't many dirt tracks they didn't get to experience together.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Waco, Neb. at the Waco Community Center. Please dress casually and wear your favorite racing shirt if you have one. Be prepared to share a story or two! A light lunch will be served.
Please, no flowers or plants. Memorials to the family for future designation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ivan Tracy
3 Entries
Kent Theobald
June 15, 2025
I always had a great respect for Ivan, He was a man of many talents. Every time I talked with him I always learned something weather it was about sprint cars, mechanics, or just life in general.
I had the opportunity to work for Ivan at Geneva Machine Shop.
He enjoyed sharing knowledge as much as I enjoyed learning from him.
Racing was in Ivan's blood. He knew the sport inside and out. You could see the passion in his eyes when his car was on the track and when it came back into the pits he knew just what needed to be done to make it better sometimes without talking to his driver.
I enjoyed being part of the 12 cars pit crew, Ivan made it feel like one big family!
R I P my friend.
Kent Theobald
Sharla Schultze
June 13, 2025
Many fond memories of my cousin Ivan....he could fix anything. He could figure out what needed to be done and how to make it work...amazing man. To Jean and all of my cousins...I am so sorry for your loss. Sorry I cannot be there in person. Love you all. Shar
Tamara
June 13, 2025
Wendy my thoughts are with you and your family during this sad and difficult time. Tamara
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