Elaine M. Tracey, 88, of Meth-Wick Community and formerly of Epworth, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids, Iowa surrounded by her family.

Elaine was born on January 8, 1938, daughter of Elmer and Dolores Weydert.

Elaine married John D. Tracey on May 17, 1958 at St. John the Baptist church in Peosta, Iowa. Their marriage of over 64 years was blessed with four children.  

Over the course of her marriage she lived in Illinois, Georgia, and Iowa.  Upon returning to Iowa, John and Elaine purchased a bar/restaurant in Worthington, Iowa called the End Gate.  John’s natural ability to have a good time and Elaine’s amazing cooking and ability to make everyone feel like a friend, made a great combination for a successful business for four years. In 1984, John and Elaine moved to Ottumwa, Iowa where they both continued their education.  Elaine graduated from Indian Hills Community College in 1988 with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She practiced as a Registered Nurse at Ottumwa Regional Health Center and later retired from Wapello County Public Health in Ottumwa Iowa. In 2000, their hearts and family pulled them back to Epworth, Iowa, where they built a new home and lived for over 20 years.  In 2022, they moved to River Bend in Cascade, Iowa, where they lived until John’s death in 2024.  Elaine continued to live at River Bend amongst friends, both new and old. She loved her time at River Bend and all of the new friendships she made there. 

In April of 2026, Elaine’s daughter, Colleen, “made her move” to Meth-Wick in Cedar Rapids due to failing health and to be closer to her.  While resenting it at first, Elaine, once again, made friends at Meth-Wick and enjoyed visiting with them at meal times. Elaine decided she wanted to continue her life without any further hospitalizations and voiced the desire to be under the care of Essence of Life Hospice, who ensured Elaine’s last days would be comfortable and dignified.

Elaine is survived by her three children: Patrick (Vickie) Tracey of Dyersville, IA Michael (Debbie) Tracey, of Roselle, IL, and Colleen (Chris Dean) Sincox of Cedar Rapids, IA; one daughter-in-law, Denise Tracey, of Worthington, IA; 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren. Sisters, Joyce Horsfield, Janet Pitz, Marilyn (John) Kettmann, and Marlene Kramer;  Brothers, Jack Weydert, Tom (Donna) Weydert, Dave Weydert, Jerome (Marty) Weydert and Joe Weydert, and Bill (Janice) Weydert, Sisters-in-law, Margie (Dick) Phillips and Fay Tracey.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, her son, Terry Tracey, her son-in-law, Steve Sincox; and one grandchild, Nathan Tracey.  She was also preceded in death by her sister, Lois (Allen) Laughlin, brothers, Jim (Donna) Weydert, and Gery Weydert, In Laws; Lloyd Kramer, Irwin “Red” Horsfield, Jeanne Weydert, Judi Weydert, Kathy Weydert, Ronald Pitz, Jim Tracey, Carol Fuhs, and Fritz Fuhs.

Friends and relatives may join a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 where services for Elaine will be held at 10:30 am in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Steven Garner officiating.  Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s cemetery in Farley, Iowa. Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa is assisting the family. 

Prior to the mass a Nurse Honor Guard-Florence Nightengale Tribute will be held in honor of Elaine’s years of dedication to nursing.

Elaine was independent, loving, understanding, encouraging, and did not make it a practice to hold her emotions or feelings in.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, playing cards, crocheting, and entertaining, and spending time with friends and family. She loved her family, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren ferociously and loved nothing more than spending time with them. They never left her presence without a hug and a big “I love you”.

The family asks for no flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in the name of Terry Tracey, Essence of Life Hospice, or Riverbend Retirement Community.