Tracee Michelle Hinrichs

Marengo-We celebrate the life of Tracee Michelle Hinrichs, remembering with thanksgiving the joy and faith she shared with all who knew her. Tracee was the first born to Vance and Debra (Hacker) Hinrichs on September 26, 1979, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Tracee was a happy, loving baby bringing joy to those around her. At 20 months she welcomed her baby sister, Jodi. Growing up, Tracee loved playing with her sister and cousins. They could be found playing outside, hunting mushrooms in the timber, riding bikes, playing house and school, swimming at the pool, and just generally creating mischief. In elementary, Tracee had many friends and cherished neighbors, she was in Girl Scouts, loved to play softball, run at track and field day, and ride the firetruck in parades.

True to the meaning of her name, which means "fighter" or “warrior," Tracee fought and beat childhood cancer at the age of 9, defying the odds set against her. Though many health challenges followed, she remained resilient in spirit and steadfast in her faith in her Savior. Tracee’s hallmark was her contagious smile and positivity. She lifted up those around her with her gentle, kind-hearted nature.

Tracee confirmed her faith in April of 1994 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. In high school, Tracee participated in choir and enjoyed home economics classes. She could be seen giggling with her aide throughout the day while walking from class to class. She danced at homecoming and proms and walked across the stage as she graduated from Iowa Valley High School in 1998. After high school, Tracee participated in Miracles in Motion (horse riding therapy), Ruth Sarah Circle Bible Group, and REA of Conroy.

Tracee loved to read and enjoyed word search puzzles. She loved to bake, make crafts, and color. She enjoyed bowling, traveling, going on gator rides, listening to oldies on the radio, and spending time with her family and friends. Tracee was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed at least one game every season for her birthday, lovingly titled “Tracee’s Game” by her family, a tradition filled with popcorn, home-runs, and wearing her favorite Cards gear.

Tracee was a proud aunt to four nieces and a nephew. She loved to visit them, watch them play sports and act in plays, and bake them desserts for their birthdays. She also had a nephew dog, Felix who would lovingly sit at her feet anytime she was near. Tracee made so many new friends at Rose Haven over the last year, friends who helped to make each day joyful.

Tracee died peacefully with her parents and sister by her side on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo, at the age of 46 years. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.

She is survived by her parents; sister, Jodi (Casey) Carlson of St. Louis, MO; nieces, Aliza, Bianca, Fiona, and Ellis Carlson; and nephew, Malachi Carlson. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Donald and Darlene Hacker and Gordon and Esther Hinrichs.

Jesus said: My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo with Rev. Thomas Van Hemert officiating. Burial will follow at the Marengo Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo. A memorial fund has been established for REA of Conroy, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and Children's Cancer Connection. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Marengo is caring for Tracee and her family. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com