Tracy was born on Jan. 22, 1950, to Harry and Jean Severson in Pickstown, S.D. Her family moved to Fairmont, Minn., where she grew up and graduated from Fairmont HS class of 1968. She then went on to attend Huron College in Huron, S.D.

While at home from college and working at the Lantern Supper Club in Fairmont, she met Jim Besmer. Jim and Tracy were married on Aug. 12, 1971, in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. Tracy continued as an Air Force wife until Jim retired in 1988. During all this time, she was a loving mother raising and caring for their two sons, James Jr. and Jeremy.

Subsequently, Tracy followed her interests and became employed as a store manager for JoAnn Fabrics. After a few years, she moved on to sales and customer service for Hart Ski in St Paul, Minn. Later, she became a manager for the sportswear and outdoor gear company Pentland USA in Nashville, Tenn. Her final position was as a customer service representative for Nashville-based Genesco, representing stores including Journeys and Johnston and Murphy.

Tracy’s favorite pastimes were reading, sewing, crossword puzzles, solitaire and various other card games. She loved sewing and took great pride in all the clothes she made for herself and family. She loved all forms of needlework, especially cross-stitch and embroidery. She was a voracious reader and had to have the most difficult crossword puzzles to solve. She also enjoyed doing yoga and practicing meditation.

Tracy had many great qualities that made anyone like her. Her brother Gary mentioned some in his tribute Facebook post to her including: “kind and gentle soul”, “softest, sweetest demeanor”, “presence felt like a warm hug” and “her quick laugh”. These qualities along with her beautiful smile and cheerful nature made her a truly unique kind of individual who will be sorely missed by all.

Tracy is survived by her husband, Jim Besmer of Hermitage, Tenn.; sons, James Besmer Jr. of Rosemount, Minn., Jeremy Besmer of Hermitage, Tenn.; grandson Warren Besmer of St Paul, Minn.; sisters, Lynn (Jim) Heilman of Prosperity, S.C., Harriet Lunz of Fairmont, Minn.; brothers, David (Sheri) Severson of Rochester, Minn., Wayne Severson of Winona, Minn., Gary (Deb) Severson of Oakdale, Minn.; uncle Warner (Ruth) Davidson of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister-in-law Kathy (Donn) Reber of Gregory, S.D., extended family and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry Severson and Jean LeMaire; parents-in-law, Harry and Emma Besmer and brother-in-law, Rick Lunz.

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