Tracy Joel Hoodjer, a beloved family man, passionate sports enthusiast, and a well-respected figure in the sports community throughout the state of Iowa, passed away December 15, 2024, in Ames after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on Jan. 18, 1962, in Waterloo, Tracy’s infectious enthusiasm for life and unwavering spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Tracy was the treasured son of Merle and Dolores Hoodjer, who instilled in him the values of faith, hard work, commitment, and the joy of family. He shared a beautiful and loving marriage with his wife, Teresa Green-Hoodjer.
He raised three remarkable sons: John (Amanda), Beau (Jess), and Derek (Hanna), and spent his life putting their needs in front of his. Tracy took immense pride in his role as a father, and later as a doting grandfather to Liv, Walker, Heidi, Scottie, and Mark Joel. His legacy continues through the lives of his grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished with every fiber of his being.
Tracy’s dedication to family was matched by his loyalty to his sister, Kelly (Curt) Henrichs, and his extended family through marriage, which included his father-in-law Gary (Jo) Green, his late mother-in-law Mary (Ernest) Washburn, his brother-in-law Jeff Green, and sister-in-law Tamara (Butch) Green and brother-in-law Greg (Stacy) Green. The bonds he shared with each family member were unique and strong, and built on love, mutual respect, laughter, and an endless supply of shared memories.
An alumnus of the University of Northern Iowa, Tracy’s academic pursuit in Communications laid the foundation for his first career working for the local radio station as a sports broadcaster, prior to transitioning to his long-term career in sporting goods sales. His natural charisma, in-depth knowledge, and willingness to go the extra mile made him a standout in his field, where he not only made a career but also lifelong friends and associates.
Tracy’s passion for sports was not just a career but a way of life. He was an ardent supporter of the Iowa State Cyclones and the St. Louis Cardinals, embodying the spirit of a true fan in both victory and defeat. Golfing was more than a hobby for Tracy; it was a pursuit of competition and camaraderie, and a source of memories with his boys. His love for live concerts showcased his appreciation for music and the shared experience of live performances, particularly enjoyed with Teresa. Traveling, especially when it involved seeing family, was another joy in Tracy’s life. He memorized each mile marker from Jefferson to Lincoln, NE, as he regularly traveled to see his three boys in any and all events they were a part of.
Throughout his life, Tracy was known for his infectious smile, his witty humor, his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, his generous spirit, and his ability to recall moments, facts, stories, and statistics of the past. His presence could light up a room, and his storytelling could captivate an audience for hours. Tracy’s resilience in the face of illness was an illustration of his faith, strength and unwavering optimism.
As we bid farewell to Tracy Joel Hoodjer, we celebrate a life lived with boundless energy, deep affection for family and friends, and an enduring love for the simple pleasures of life. His was a life that exemplified the power of positivity, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of leaving an impact on the world through kindness and joy.
Tracy’s life will be honored and remembered in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him. His legacy of faith, love, laughter, and zest for life will continue to inspire those who knew him and will serve as a guiding light for generations to come. Tracy’s journey through life was a testament to the fact that with passion, perseverance, and love, one can leave an everlasting imprint on the world.
Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the outpouring of support and encouragement Tracy received over the past six months. He was genuinely overwhelmed with appreciation for the love he was shown by so many.
Additionally, we would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence at UNMC, the William R. Bliss Cancer Center, the Mary Greeley Medical Center, and the Israel Family Hospice House for the love, care, and compassion they provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the cause of your choice, or to the Tracy Hoodjer Memorial Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence at the Fred & Pamela Buffet Cancer Center; made payable to the “NU Foundation.” Mailing address is 2285 S 67th St., #200, Omaha, NE 68106 or online at www.nufoundation.org.
For questions, please contact Abigail Edmonds at 402-502-4117 or abigail.edmonds@nufoundation.org
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, 515-386-2171.
