ALGONA — Tracy Vern Remy, 90, of Algona, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026.
Tracy was born October 20, 1935, in Waterloo to Vern and Beth Remy. He grew up with his older brother, Keith, on a family farm near Nashua, where his early years were shaped by rural Iowa life, school, family and faith.
A strong student, Tracy graduated as valedictorian before attending Iowa State College, now Iowa State University. He earned a degree in agronomy in 1957 and later completed a master’s degree in sociology.
Iowa State also became the place where Tracy met Barbara, the woman who would become his wife. The couple married in 1958, shortly after Tracy became a naval officer aboard the USS Taluga. While stationed in Long Beach, California, Tracy and Barbara welcomed their oldest son, Rick, in 1959.
After Tracy completed his Naval service in 1960, the family returned to Iowa and lived in Ames, where sons Doug and Russ were born.
Tracy’s professional life reflected his lifelong interest in youth, service and community. He worked for the YMCA in Minnesota and Iowa, and later served with Iowa State Extension in 4-H and youth programs in Algona, helping guide and encourage young people through programs that shaped families and communities.
Faith was central to Tracy’s life from childhood through his later years. He was baptized as a boy and remained active in church life throughout adulthood. He served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and at New Hope Church in Algona.
His Christian service also reached beyond Iowa. Tracy was involved with the Colson Fellows national ministry and the European Leadership Forum, and he took part in ministry trips around the world.
Tracy is survived by his three sons, Rick, Doug and Russ, along with their families; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Tracy’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 11, 2026, at New Hope Church in Algona.
For those wishing to make a memorial gift, the family suggests honoring Tracy’s wishes by supporting a local Bible-believing church or a favorite Christian ministry.
Lentz Funeral Home of Algona is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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