"Donna and family, we were so sorry to hear about Tracy's passing. He was a wonderful man who had a way of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. He will be sorely missed. I'm asking that God would provide you with an extra sense of His presence, peace and comfort in this difficult time. With prayer, Charlie and Kristine Purcell"
In loving memory of
Tracy Dean Fultz
October 14, 1949 - October 18, 2024
Tracy Dean Fultz, 75, of Ames passed away on October 18, 2024, in the comfort of his home. Tracy bravely fought a seven-year battle with inoperable brain cancer. A memorial gathering will be held on November 15, 2024, from 4-6:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care (414 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010).
Tracy was born on October 14, 1949, to Bernard and Elizabeth (Loy) Fultz in Ottumwa, Iowa. He attended Davis County High School and was a graduate with the class of 1967. After high school Tracy attended William Penn University and took courses at Iowa State University. Tracy worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation for thirty-nine years, starting in the field on a core-sampling crew. He then became well-known and respected in various positions in Road Design and the Information Technology Division, and retired in 2010 following several years of managing computer-aided design and drafting applications.
Tracy had many interests and talents. He was a skilled woodworker who took great pride in his high-quality craftsmanship. His numerous projects varied greatly in size and scope, ranging from picture frames and gifts to the bedroom suite he shared with his wife, Donna, and many other large pieces of furniture. He enjoyed nature photography, and was an avid outdoorsman. In his earlier years he was a game bird hunter, but was a lifelong fisherman. He enjoyed being out on the water, especially on Big Creek Lake near Ankeny. For many years he participated in countless tournaments in his local bass fishing club. He loved playing the guitar. He played in high school bands and for a while in a band in Ames, and continued to play well into his 70s. Tracy had a great love of football and baseball, which he played as a youth and in high school, and played slow-pitch softball for many years in leagues in Ames. Finally, he was an avid Cyclone football and basketball fan, and cheered on Kansas City's Chiefs and Royals.
Most of all he was a loving, caring, and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Donna Buchwald; children, Aaron (Noelle) Fultz of Ames, and Shannon (Phil) Hingst of Shueyville; grandchildren, Andrew Hingst, Jackson Steburg, Russel Hingst, and Heather Hingst; siblings Terry (Susan) Fultz, Connie (Curt Fuller) Fultz, and Janet (Jim) Barnes, and sister-in-law Gail Miller; and nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Galván, Danielle Fultz, Rich (Charity) Miller, Megan (Sean) Heitmann, Cerissa Fultz, Tyler Barnes, and Rachel Barnes.
Tracy is preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Elizabeth, his brother Kevin, and beloved hunting dog Gunner and cat Roto.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to help fund a rearing pond for largemouth bass to stock Big Creek Lake. Electronic donations may be made at www.venmo.com/u/TracyFultzMemorial.
Tributes
"Donna and family,
My heartfelt sympathies to each of you on the loss of your beloved husband, Tracy, dad, and grandpa.
I didn't know Tracy; so glad there was a photo as I was trying to remember seeing his face in the many hallways of DOT, but none came to me.
Donna, you have been an outstanding caregiver for 7 years and loving wife. I'm so sorry for all you have been through.
RIP TRACY."
"Dear Donna, I didn't get a chance to know Tracy very well. But I know he loved you. and I figured must have had supper good taste to marry you. God bless him and you Donna. "
"I am so sorry Donna. Tracy was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Amy and Travis Tinken "
"Donna, I?m sorry to hear about Tracy?s passing, I wish we would have gotten out to fish a few more times after retired! He will be greatly missed. Rob Cornelis"
"Donna, I'm so sorry for Tracy's passing. When you guys came to my retirement party I had no idea. Several years ago we stopped having lunch on his birthday, but I enjoyed it when we did. He was a good friend and co-worker. The idea of a bass rearing pond is a great memorial for Tracy. Love, Sue PS Venmo isn't working for me. "
"Donna and family, we are so sorry to hear of Tracy's passing. He was a great person to know and work with at the Iowa DOT. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Tim & Gail Nordholm"