Funeral can be viewed on the Benson Funeral Home Facebook page .
Tracy Kramer Fransen was born October 4, 1922, in Orange City, Iowa. She was the daughter of Fred Kramer (born in Leewaarden, Holland, March 16, 1892) and Gertrude Schipper Kramer (born in Amsterdam, Holland, July 13, 1896). The family moved to farms near Sibley, IA in 1923; near Bigelow in 1934; and near Brewster in 1937.
Tracy married Gerrit Fransen. Jr. on November 27, 1942, where they farmed with Gerrit's father near Worthington for 26 years. In 1978, they moved to Worthington, where they continued to farm with son, Doug. Tracy was an excellent caregiver for Dad for many years while he suffered from Alzheimer's until his death in 2002. Tracy moved to the Homesteads in 2003 where she helped with many activities, including decorating and serving, and she enjoyed many friendships. She was a loyal member of the Christian Reformed Church in Worthington where she was the oldest member for several years. Tracy was a generous and caring mother, excellent caregiver and homemaker, creative seamstress and decorator, avid gardener, great host and outstanding cook - especially her leg of lamb and fresh peach pies - which were enjoyed by all at numerous family gatherings in her house over the years. She also enjoyed watching sports and reading books.
Tracy is survived by four children: Lois Haverkamp, Chesterfield, MO; Geraldine (Geri) Greer, Renton, WA; Kenneth (Marla) Fransen, Buford, GA; and Douglas (Kristine) Fransen, Worthington. MN; brother Richard Kramer and sister Gladys Halma of Seal Beach, CA; and sister-in-law Gert VanderKooi of Worthington, MN.
Tracy is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Tami Haverkamp (Tim) Terlouw, Chesterfield, MO; Brent (Tori) Haverkamp, Ames, IA; Renae Haverkamp (Jake) Bradley, Plainfield, IL; Britney (Lara) Fransen, Anderson, SC; Monte (Christian) Fransen, Buford, GA; Alea Fransen (Jonathan) Poole, Shrewsbury, PA; Nathan (Kim) Fransen, Denver, CO; & Heidi Fransen (Jeremy) Heidebrink, Hastings, MN; 2 step-grandchildren, Jeff (Marissa) Greer, North Bend, WA; and Greg (Stacie) Greer, Portland, OR, 22 great grandchildren, 5 step-great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.
Tracy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gerrit Fransen, Jr.; siblings and spouses, John Kramer (Helen, Bertha), Martin Kramer (Jeannette); and Althea Febus (Walter); sons-in-law Ralph Haverkamp and Jim Greer; brother-in-law, Art Halma, sister-in-law, RaeAnne Kramer , and 1 great-grandchild, Jaden Poole.
Tracy was also preceded in death by her in-laws: parents Gerrit (Gjertje Carrie Boer) Fransen, Sr., Bessie (George) VanderZiel, John (Elizabeth) Fransen, John VanderKooi, Bertha Bottin Jackson, and Henry Fransen.
Her family will carry forward many fond and loving memories of Tracy.
Private family services will be held. Burial will be in the Worthington Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.
Cemetery Details
Location
29600 County Highway 35
Worthington, MN 56187
