It is with deep sadness and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Traci Renee Wykert on July 25, 2026, at the age of 59.

Traci was born with a compassionate heart and a strong determination to make a difference in the world. She graduated from Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1985 and later continued her education at Washburn University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1997. Her commitment to learning reflected her perseverance, strength, and desire to serve others.

She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the genuine way she made others feel welcome and valued. Traci’s greatest joy came from the relationships she built and the time she spent with those she loved. Her compassion, strength, and unwavering love left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Traci is survived by her son, Zakk Rowan; her daughter, Jessica Dark; her sister, Kari Tyree; her brother, Jason Vietz; and her three beloved grandsons, Zachary, Beckham, and Myles. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Bonnie; her father, Don; and her sister, Kelli.

Honoring Traci’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. She chose to be cremated, with her ashes becoming part of an oak tree—a lasting symbol of the strength, beauty, and enduring life she cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to honor her memory plant a tree or perform an act of kindness in her name.

Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.