Tracy L. Less

Tracy L. Less, age 51 of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on May 19, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.  To honor Tracy’s life, a private family service is being held, with a Celebration of Life to be scheduled at a later date.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tracy’s family.

Tracy was born on June 5, 1968, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas “Tom” and Linda (Lenz) Buelow.  She grew up loving life and striving to discover her God given purpose for making this world a better place.  After receiving her Marketing degree from University of Northern Iowa, Tracy ventured off to New Hampshire to spend some time as a nanny.  She enjoyed the time nurturing other’s children, but eventually decided it was time to head back home to Dubuque.  She worked at Dubuque Bank and Trust for a few years.  She then met her soul-mate, Luke Less, and the two were united in marriage on June 3, 1995.  Three daughters were soon entrusted into their adoring arms and her mission in life was now complete.  Tracy’s whole heart and soul went into raising her children, she would surely spread her light generously on the rest of the world around her, but nothing could ever compare to her love and admiration for her girls. 

Tracy was a stay-at-home Mom at heart, but when the girls were older, she decided to return to waitressing, which she first practiced during college.  Over several years, Tracy found her way to serve and cater at local restaurants.  Most recently, Tracy worked as the Director of Scheduling and Event Planning at the University of Dubuque, where her smile and love of all people was shared most. Working as an events director, Tracy would frequently describe her time spent at UD as her dream occupation.  This is because she had the rare gift to deeply connect with her co-workers, clients, and all that she met.   Tracy also loved vacationing with her family and any time soaking up the sun in the Caribbean was considered a successful rest from her labors.  Tracy was quick to express her gratitude and love to others.  She loved her life.  She loved her friends.  She loved her family.  She was selfless, compassionate and made everyone she talked to feel special. She is a beautiful soul, and a true light. 

Anyone who knew Tracy, knows what an amazing example she strived to be.  Fighting cancer for 17 years, was only the beginning of her inclination to bring salt and light into the world.  Her Christian faith never wavered, and while always carrying her own crosses through each day, she continually found the time to stop and help another soul who simply needed a little heart to heart counseling. Tracy’s impact can easily be seen as a ripple of genuine compassion for her fellow man throughout our entire community.  She has left her beloved family a legacy of unconditional love, and a never-ending web of friends, family, and support. Our hearts break today at the mere thought of losing such a rare gem in this life, but we know and trust that she is now residing in her heavenly estate waiting patiently to cast a few crowns of her own at her Lord and Saviors feet.  Thank you, Tracy, for all that you’ve done while you were with us and may the peace you’ve so faithfully earned be yours until we see you again.  God Speed Thy Good and Faithful Servant…God Speed!

 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tracy include,

 

her loving husband of 25 years,

Luke Less, Asbury, Iowa;

 

her 3 beautiful daughters,

Emily Less, Dubuque, Iowa,

Rachel Less, Dubuque, Iowa,

and Courtney Less, Dubuque, Iowa,

 

her parents,

Thomas “Tom” (Linda) Buelow, Dubuque, Iowa;

 

her brother,

Todd (Victoria) Buelow, Dubuque, Iowa;

 

her parents-in-law,

David (Susan) Less, Dubuque, Iowa,

 

her brothers-in-law,

Mark (Jennifer) Less, Dubuque, Iowa,

William “Bill” Less, Dubuque, Iowa,

Ryan (Marilyn Bartles) Less, Davenport, Iowa,

Aaron Less, Charlotte, North Carolina,

and Justin (Dustin Berntsen) Less, Burnsville, Minnesota;

 

along with nieces, nephews, countless extended family, friends and neighbors.

 

Tracy was preceded in death by her grandparents, and her sister-in-law, Amy Less.

 

Tracy’s family would like to thank Dr. Hermann, along with his nurses and staff for all of their professional care and support over the years.  Tracy’s courageous battle with cancer was never an easy one, but the wind you kept filling her sails with made the journey a bearable one.  Thank you and God bless you all!

 

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to Tracy’s family at 15807 Woodmoor Drive, Asbury, Iowa, 52002, along with the opportunity to share online condolences and memories at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

 

To honor Tracy’s life, a private family service is being held, with a Celebration of Life to be scheduled at a later date.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

14 comments on “Tracy L. Less
  1. Sarah Thiltgen says:

    Tracy was a beautiful person. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I will always remember our time together at Star and Crust. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. You all are in my prayers!

  2. Peggy Zmudka says:

    Rachel and Family,
    I feel so blessed to have met and spent some time with your mom. It didn’t take long to see what kind of mother and person she truly was. She was beautiful, funny, attentive, talkative and a true ray of sunlight! My heart goes out to you and all who loved her. I hope you can find peace knowing your mom is now your angel watching over you.
    All our love,
    Peggy, Zach, and Lucas Zmudka

  3. Diane Lincoln says:

    I grew up with Tracey. We went to grade school, junior high and high school together as well as CCD! While I wasn’t as close to her in the years after we still would connect every once in a while and have a nice conversation and a laugh or two. We had so many good times growing up and I will always cherish those memories. My sincere condolences to her beloved family. My heart is heavy today.
    Diane (Hosier) Lincoln

  4. Bruce and Shirley Meriwether says:

    Condolences from Bruce and Shirley. Loved Tracy and her gifts shared at the University of Dubuque. Will miss her!

  5. Tim and Carol says:

    Our hearts go out to your families. Please know that we are thinking of all of you…

  6. Bob and Jane Kalvelage says:

    To Tracy’s family, especially Tom and Linda Buelow….our sincerest sympathy for the loss of your daughter, Tracy. She left a wonderful legacy for her family to remember, her Faith, her Courage, her Love and endurance of how she faced life and her battle. She’s happy and healed and safe now in her Saviors care. Let her example live thru you and keep the joy and belief in a happy reunion. God be with you and give you peace.

  7. Tim and Kellie Weber says:

    Tracy and I became friends at United States Cellular – MANY years ago!! We hit it off immediately – and oh – the times we shared – We were honored to be a part of the LESS Wedding party – she truly found her soul mate, and although we lost touch over the years – I have ALWAYS cherished that friendship – Tim and I both extend much love to Tom and Linda, and Luke and the girls – we hold you in our prayers – and will hold Tracy ( Peenie as we called her) in our hearts forever.

  8. Kari (Carlson) Otto says:

    What a beautiful and powerful message written for Tracy. Mr. and Mrs. Buelow, and family. you have my utmost condolences. I was happy to have known Tracy from Jefferson Jr. High and two years into high school. We were in homeroom together and she would always make me laugh. Such fond memories of her. She was welcomed home with arms wide open. Again, I’m very sorry. My Thoughts and prayers to all of you.

  9. Liz and Paul Fitzsimmons says:

    Our condolences to the Buelow and Less families on their loss. We have fond memories of Tracy back when she was growing up.

  10. Kim Bartles says:

    Dear Courtney, Rachel, Emily, and Luke,
    Please accept my condolences. I am so sorry that you have lost your Mom and wife. There are no words to adequately support you, but know that a huge number of people are thinking of you and want to support you in any way you need.
    Sincerely,
    Kim Bartels (Marilynn’s sister)
    Minneapolis, MN

  11. Richard Worm (Hempstead Sierra Society) says:

    When I read the obituary, I noted how well Tracy had fit in with the adventurous Less Family. Her spirit came through loud and strong. Our old Sierra Society bus may not have been able to reach the sunny Caribbean, and even though its trip to the rocky coast of Maine may not have been quite the same, Tracy would certainly have found joy there also. My most sincere sympathy to Luke, their three daughters, and to the entire Less Family during this time of celebration of a life gone far too soon. “God Speed.”

  12. Chris Ehlers says:

    May the good Lord bless Tracy Less and welcome her with open arms into heaven forever and ever. Lord, please be with Tracy’s husband Luke and her daughters in their time of sorrow and provide them comfort.

  13. Beth & Mike Remakel says:

    Luke and family, so sorry to hear of Tracy’s passing. She surely has left an abundance of precious memories to help you through this difficult time.
    with sympathy…

  14. Suzanne Watt Bertoni says:

    To the family of my lovely Italian-days friend. Luke, Emily, Rachel, Courtney, Tom and Linda. Tracy’s light will forever shine on you and through you. We are thinking of you all. Suzi, Ivo and Prisca Bertoni xxxooo

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