Michael J. Tracy “Big Mike”

Michael J. Tracy, affectionately known as “Big Mike,” passed away unexpectedly at the age of 74 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 13, 1952, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Irma (nee Krubseck) Tracy.

Mike grew up in Katzbach (Mayfield), a place that would remain close to his heart throughout his life. It was there that many of his stories and lifelong friendships began. As a young man, Mike spent a great deal of time working on the Kissinger farm, where Gene and Ann Kissinger became much more than people he worked for. They welcomed Mike into their lives, supported him as he found his way, and became like a second set of parents to him. Their relationship remained special throughout his life.

Mike attended Slinger High School, graduating in 1970. He was active in basketball and track, where he ran relay with Joe Liddington, who became his best friend and remained a lifelong friend.

Mike was a hardworking man who also knew how to enjoy life and make a friend just about anywhere he went. He began his working years at Tecumseh Power Products before becoming the owner of Tracy’s Bar and Hall—a natural fit for someone who genuinely loved being around people.

Mike later found his calling in the masonry trade, beginning that chapter of his career working for a number of both union and non-union companies. Over the years, he gained the experience, skill, and work ethic that would eventually lead him to venture out on his own.

Mike founded BMT Construction, where he spent years laying block basements, doing flatwork, and taking pride in a hard day’s work and a job done right. Depending on who asked, BMT stood for “Big Mike Tracy” or, just as fittingly, “Bust My Tail.” The company logo—a monkey with a broken tail—captured Mike’s sense of humor perfectly. Gene and Ann continued to support him along the way, even providing space on their property where Mike could establish a shop for his business.

Around 2005, Mike returned to his roots when he purchased the former Herold Kehoe home in Katzbach, next to the Tracy family homestead. The property was especially meaningful to him because it brought him back to the area where he had grown up. And, in true Mike fashion, even rebuilding the house came with a story. During the renovation, the structure was blown over by nearly 70-mile-per-hour winds. Mike rebuilt and made the property his home.

Over the years, Mike became affectionately known as the “Mayor of Katzbach.” It wasn’t an elected position—it was simply who Mike was. He knew the neighbors, looked out for people, and when the snow came, he could often be found plowing the private driveways around the neighborhood. Helping people and making connections came naturally to him.

When Mike wasn’t working or helping someone else, he was rarely sitting still. He loved cutting and stacking wood and finding a good load of “free wood.” For many years, that wood heated his home. At the end of a good day, he also appreciated a whiskey old fashioned.

Motorcycles were another longtime love. Mike spent many years riding his Harley Classic and enjoyed riding locally with friends, volunteering for the Viper Ride, and taking motorcycle trips with Jean. When his knees eventually told him that two wheels might not be the best idea anymore, giving up riding wasn’t really an option. He simply traded his Harley Classic for a Harley trike and kept going.

Mike and Jean (Tennies/Severson) Tracy shared six years of marriage, and a life filled with companionship. They enjoyed traveling and motorcycle trips together, as well as the quieter times at home. Mike loved watching just about any sport that happened to be on, and Jean was right there watching alongside him. As Mike’s needs increased in recent years, Jean cared for him with tremendous love and devotion, always making sure he had what he needed.

More than any job or hobby, though, Mike loved people. He had a remarkable ability to connect with just about anyone he met. A stranger rarely stayed a stranger for long. He loved a good conversation, a good story, plenty of laughter, and getting to know the people he encountered along the way. Over a lifetime, those conversations became friendships—and those friendships were countless.

Mike also had a way of welcoming people into his life and making them feel like they belonged. Family wasn’t something he defined by labels. He loved his family deeply, and those who became part of it were simply his own.

Mike is survived by his wife of six years, Jean (Tennies/Severson) Tracy; children, Kelly Tracy (Jason Brock), Bryan (Desiree) Tracy, Christa (Chuck) Lange, and Brad (Annie) Severson; grandchildren, Olivia, Ella, Madison, Tucker, Jaiden, Gabriel, Holden, Ashley (Andrew), Adam (Natalie), Aly, Arik (Courtney), Jacob, Emily, and Haley; and six great-grandchildren. He is further survived by many other relatives and the countless friends he made throughout his life.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Irma Tracy; his brother, Rick Tracy; his lifelong best friend, Joe Liddington; and Gene and Ann Kissinger, who became like a second set of parents to Mike and held a special place in his heart throughout his life.

A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at The Columbian Hall, 3245 Lighthouse Lane, West Bend, WI 53090.

Mike’s family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Rachel, Mark, and the entire Neurological ICU team at Froedtert Hospital for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness they showed Mike and his family during his final days.