Obit: Busse, Tracy Lynn (1969 – 2018)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Busse, Hassemer, Babbitt, Pearson, Johnson, Robinson, Perez, Bekken

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 31 Jan 2018

Busse, Tracy Lynn (16 DEC 1969 – 23 JAN 2018)

Tracy Lynn Hassemer Busse died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, from a heart condition. The 48-year-old Spencer Middle School math and science teacher leaves behind her loving husband, Dave, and two precious children, Ryan and Rachel. Services were held at 2:30 p.m., on Saturday Jan. 27, at Cornerstone Community Church in Marshfield. Tracy was born in Wausau on Dec. 16, 1969, to Todd and Barbara (nee Babbitt) Hassemer, only five minutes ahead of her twin sister, Sheila. Tracy graduated from Wausau East High School in 1988 and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1992. It was the fall of 1992 when she started teaching in Spencer, which started an almost 26-year career of loving of middle school students. Tracy and Dave married on Aug. 6, 1994, and made their home right in Spencer. In her early years, Tracy’s love of the ground was seen by the hours spent making mud pies in a pile of “red” clay-based mud at her 43rd Avenue home. She continued learning and gardening alongside her dad and eventually cultivated beautiful flower gardens at their Spencer home. Tracy’s work ethic was evident as she applied for her first job at McDonald’s on her 16th birthday and continued working at the “Fleet Farm” McDonald’s all through college. Regardless of the sphere, few could outwork or outlast Tracy. She was an early riser and pushed through every day. Running was a favorite pastime as she completed four miles every morning before school, regardless of the temperature. She also loved crocheting, making scarves and blankets for many friends and family. Baking and cooking were other specialties, often bringing treats/meals to others. In the summer, Tracy could be found spending time with extended family at Long Lake. Above all else, Tracy loved supporting her kids. Every ball game, every concert, every play — she was there. Tracy had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. She was an active member of Cornerstone Community Church in Marshfield, where Family Time friends and activities were a highlight.

Tracy is survived by her husband, Dave; her son, Ryan, a sophomore at Bethel University in St. Paul; and her daughter, Rachel, a junior at Spencer High School. She is also survived by her mother, Barbara Hassemer of Bloomer; her sister, Michelle (Ric) Pearson of Oregon; her twin sister, Sheila Johnson of Wausau; two brothers-in-law: Rob (Kathy) Busse of Fond du Lac, and Tim Busse of Milwaukee; two sisters-in-law: Susie (Hughie) Robinson of Milwaukee, and Mary Kay (Stanley) Perez of Milwaukee; her nieces and nephews: Spencer, Luke, Bekken and Gabriel Pearson, Christina and Benjamin Johnson, Abby, Matthew and Sam Busse, Quin and Franklin Robinson, and Luli and Mariana Perez; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Tracy was preceded in death by her father, Todd Hassemer; her father and mother-in-law, Robert and Nancy Busse; and a niece, Jordan Pearson.

Memorials may be addressed to Running for Education - Tracy Busse Scholarship Fund.

Although our lives on earth will never be the same, we trust Tracy is in the presence of Jesus and we will see her again. One of Tracy’s key Bible verses was II Corinthians 5:17 — “Therefore, if any man is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold the new has come.”