Tracy Lee Wassenberg, age 52, of Shawano passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday August 28, 2024, in Appleton. Tracy was born on April 9, 1972, in Shawano to Margaret Gordon and David Wassenberg. He graduated from Shawano High School. Tracy worked at PFG for the past 10 years. He worked as a truck driver and was happy to have earned the title of lead yard manager. He met Melissa Meidl at the racetrack in Antigo. He was a very persistent man and knew from the beginning that Melissa was the love of his life. On September 14, 2019, Tracy was united in marriage to Melissa in Shawano. Tracy was a very accomplished racer. Wherever he raced, his brother Patrick was sure to be there with him. Tracy still holds the record for the most wins for the Northern Sport Mod Division. One of the biggest highlights of his career was winning the 2007 Boone Super Nationals. He was a hard worker and DIYer, having built everything around their home. "Life never began until I became a Daddy" was something he said often once his daughter came into his life. She was the light of his life. Tracy loved watching "his boys" race and enjoyed off road racing for many years. Tracy was a quiet, selfless, humble man and was willing to help anybody that needed it. Some thought he was bull-headed, but he had a heart of gold. Tracy was an amazing husband, father, son, uncle and friend; he will be deeply missed.

Tracy is survived by his wife, Melissa; daughter, Lennyn; siblings, Patrick (Karen) Wassenberg and Elizabeth (Cal) Reinke; special sister (cousin), Shelly Adamson; mother, Margaret; and father, David (Adele). He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives and his large racetrack family.

Tracy is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Frances and Charles Gordon, and parenteral grandparents, Olive and George Wassenberg.

A memorial service for Tracy will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday September 7, 2024, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with Fr. Edward Looney officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of service.

Tracy's last wish was to give back one last time. Tracy became a hero by the special gift of organ donation.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, neurologists, nurses and ICU staff who took such good care of Tracy.

"I'll call you if I need someone to carry my trophies."