Tracy Thompson

Tracy Lynn Troke Thompson, 66, of Winona, peacefully passed away on Monday, October 12, 2020, at Mayo Clinic - Franciscan Skemp Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

She was born on May 18, 1954, to Kenneth “Con” and Melissa “Mitzi” (Glaunert) Troke. Tracy graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1972. As a mother with young children she attended Winona State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1988.  Tracy was the inspiration and expertise that helped her father establish Winona Air Expediting that is still a family-owned business today.

Tracy was an ambitious and tireless worker with an infectious larger than life personality. She was most proud of her position as the Director of the Small Business Development Center at Winona State. She eventually rose to work in Washington D.C. under the Clinton Administration for the Small Business Administration. She also worked for St Olaf College, Carleton College, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, among many other positions. Tracy was instrumental in establishing a Junior Achievement Program at Winona Senior High School.  She was very proud of her professional accomplishments, but the title she loved the most was Mom.

Tracy is lovingly survived by her two sons: Lance (Amber) and Jon; grandchildren: Gracie (12), Ponder (6), and Jace (4); and her very best doggy friend: Precious. Tracy loved being a mom, but she really enjoyed being a grandma. She is further survived by her siblings: Pam (Bill) Schwartau, Arlene Troke and Kim (Jan) Troke; nieces: Leah (Rick) Dold, Melissa Schwartau, and Becca (Jared) Peterson; nephews: Ken (Lynda) Troke, Tony (Ashley) Troke and Mike Buck; sister by heart: Beth Little Eichman; and her honorary daughters: Tanya Hedberg and Samantha Scott. Tracy was preceded in death by her parents; nephew: Ben Schwartau; and great-niece: Haley Marie Kammerer. She will be missed by all that loved her.

A celebration of Tracy’s life is being planned for a future date and will be announced later.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Tracy’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.