Tracy LeRoy Phelps passed peacefully into eternal rest on Monday, May 21, 2012 surrounded by his family and friends. Born on June 25, 1928 in Mantorville, Minnesota to Ruth and Raymond Phelps, he was the eldest of three children. Growing up in the Rochester area, he attended junior high in Pine Island and graduated from Rochester High School in 1946.

While attending a dance at the Armory, he spotted Annetta Mae Vicker and remarked "this is the girl for me". Tracy and Annetta, true soul mates, were married September 21 ^st 1946 and together raised their family of five children. Tracy's business career was in sales, working as Sales Manager for Marigold Foods in Rochester where he had many friends and enjoyed the respect of the business community. Many of his after-work hours were spent in his garden where he often worked on his hands and knees, relishing the feel of the good earth between his fingers. The produce and especially his prized tomatoes were always widely shared among friends and family,

Tracy was a longtime member of the Rochester Exchange Club, working tirelessly for over 40 years raising awareness and money for worthy projects to help make his community a better place. He and the family were charter members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester where he took great pleasure in his work for many years as an usher, greeting fellow members and guests while inviting them into worship.

He was a great dancer, especially enjoying "old time" music, and loved to play cards, doing so even at the Samaritan Bethany Home where he spent the last years of his life. He was also an avid golfer, often playing in several different leagues during the golf season. His greatest passion, though, was fishing, always eagerly looking forward to the next trip to Northern Minnesota or Canada.

Tracy was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Ruth and sister Joan McDonald. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Annetta; daughter Barbara & John Tornes of Deer River, MN, son Gordon & Beth of Bothell, WA, son Mark & Diane of Rochester, daughter Mary of St. Paul, and son James & Beth of St. Charles, MO; and brother Ronald of Rochester. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Tracy, a man of modest words who spoke most eloquently with his actions, is affectionately remembered by his family and his many friends. Viewing will be in the River Park Chapel at the Macken Funeral Home in Rochester from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012 and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral services will be at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester at 11:00am on Friday, May 25, 2012 with Pastor Karna Hagen officiating.  Burial will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.  The family requests that memorials be directed to the Samaritan Bethany Home on 8 ^th and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com