Donald Charles Tracey

Following a short illness, Donald Charles Tracey, age 93, of Holland, Ohio, passed into his heavenly home in the presence of his dear wife and family at home on March 4, 2023. Born to Florence E. Tracey on February 22, 1930, he grew up in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, with a time in the Hampton Roads Virginia area, while his father, John Lester Tracey, served in World War II. On duty as a hall monitor during their high school years in LaCrosse, Don noticed a lovely young office worker, Joanne Wehrenberg, mustered the courage to ask her out, and thus began their lifelong relationship. They were married on January 30, 1949. Over the course of 74 years of marriage God blessed them with 3 children: Susan Baker (Brad) of North Ridgeville, Ohio, Steven (Denise) of Northville, Michigan, and David (Karla) of Holland, OH, 20 grandchildren, and 45 great grandchildren. Donald followed in his father's footsteps and served in the U.S Naval Reserves for several years. In 1952, Don and Joanne purchased the A & W Root Beer franchise in Columbus, Ohio, where they owned and operated several drive-in restaurants over the years as well as concessions at the Ohio State Fair beginning in 1956. All 20 grandchildren experienced their first summer job at the fair, serving customers and learning to properly count back change. Don loved producing delicious food and serving people with his contagious smile; customers still visit the fair every summer for a taste of his root beer and coney dogs which the family continues to sell. Don was an avid gardener, loved to read and share health information related to diet and healthy living, enjoyed woodworking, loved family celebrations and camping trips, and relished their travels across the U.S, in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Over the decades he actively served in his church and in Sowers (Servants on Wheels Ever Ready) projects around the country. In 2009, Don and Joanne relocated from Columbus to Holland, Ohio, to be closer to family. Don is survived by his wife, his 3 children and their spouses, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is already greatly missed by many friends, neighbors, and family members. Anyone wishing to honor Don's memory may donate to Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997 or to the Lutheran Hour radio broadcast. Gifts may be mailed to Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141-6509, or handled online at www.lhm.org or by telephone 800.876.9880, in memory of Donald C. Tracey. Don's life will be celebrated at the Westgate Chapel, 2500 Wilford Rd, Toledo, OH 43615, on Friday March 17, 2023. Viewing will precede the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with the service following at 11:15 a.m. A luncheon will be served after the service at the church. Interment will be private. Please view and sign our online "guest registry" at CoyleFuneralHome.com

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Donald Charles Tracey

February 22, 1930 - March 4, 2023