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Keith Tracy
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Obituary for Keith Tracy

Keith  Tracy
Keith William Tracy, 81, of Bronson died Thursday, October 01, 2015 at his home.

A funeral service will take place at 5:30 PM on Monday, October 5, 2015 at Bronson High School Gymnasium with Pastor Terry Siler from First Congregational Church of Bronson officiating. Interment will follow at Bronson Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, October 4, 2015 at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson from 2 – 8:00 PM.

He was born on August 10, 1934, in Sturgis, MI, son of Marie (Swank) and James Tracy. They divorced shortly after his birth.

Keith graduated from Bronson High School in 1952. He was an outstanding athlete, earning 13 letters in four sports at BHS. He was named an all-state football player his senior year and was also named honorable mention all-state in basketball. He was honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame group at Bronson.

He earned his BA and MA from Western Michigan University. He fulfilled his military service with the US Army spending two years at Scoffield Barricks in Hawaii.

Keith began his teaching career in 1959 in Bridgman, MI, where he taught and coached for six years before moving to Bronson in the fall of 1965. He taught physical education and social studies at BHS for over 21 years and was named teacher of the year several times. He also coached several sports for ten years.

He was also in charge of the Beggars Recycling Center with his Foreign Study Club where students could earn money toward their travel to Europe. They also ran the food booth at Bronson Polish Festival Days big tent. He chaperoned many students and adults to Europe for over 20 years. He taught Driver’s Education for over 35 years, mostly through the Branch Area Career Center.

Keith loved traveling, especially spending his winters in Hawaii. He enjoyed University of Michigan football, all Detroit pro sports teams, going to garage sales, auctions, flea markets, and antiquing. He was proud of the success of his former students. Highlights of his life were time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters.

He was a member of First Congregational Church, a past member of Bronson Rotary Club, Bronson Community Foundation, Bronson Library Board, and was a director of the summer recreation program for a time. He also served on the BHS Alumni Scholarship Committee for many years.

He married Joy Barnes in 1959 and they later divorced. Keith then married the former Judy Houghton on June 15, 1981.

Survived by his loving wife Judy, children Kellie (Craig Lamb) Deluca of Fremont, MI, Terri (Mike Wilbanks) Plotas of Battle Creek, Tom Tracy of Bronson, Tonya (Doug) McKerchie of Ludington, and Tom (Lee) Bidwell of Bronson. Grandchildren Shane (Bekah), Bray, Emily (husband Kevin Proctor), and Danae McKerchie, Stephanie and Erica Plotas, Aleena Bidwell, and Lucas Bertsch. Two great granddaughters Addison and McKenna McKerchie. Sister Carol (Richard) Ernst of Alburg, VT. Several nephews, nieces, and cousins. Also surviving are his “special daughters” Melissa Smith of Bronson and Jennifer Robinson of Coldwater and their families. His sister-in-law Jean Roussey of Murfreesboro, TN, and brothers-in-law Jerry (Anne) Houghton of Bronson and Elmer (Jackie) Houghton Jr. of Wayland. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Harry and Pearl Swank, aunts Irene and Hazel Swank, and his step-mother Rhea Tracy of Constantine.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church or Bronson Fire Department. Keith requested casual attire for this service, NO SUITS OR TIES!! www.dutcherfh.com

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