Tracy Joy Regan Brinkmeyer, age 46, of Orono, Minn., passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn.
Tracy was born Dec. 22, 1979, in Davenport, to Pat and Sue Regan. She grew up in Long Grove with her sister, Holly, and a large extended family. She graduated from North Scott High School in Eldridge and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University. She built a successful career in engineering and leadership roles within several medical device companies in Minneapolis.
Tracy married Greg Brinkmeyer on April 4, 2009, and together they built their life in Orono and became deeply rooted in the community and their church, Trinity Lutheran Long Lake. Her greatest joy was being a mom to their sons, Cole, 14, and Drew, 12. She loved simply being with her boys, was always up for whatever they wanted to do, and treasured the conversations they shared.
Tracy was loving, faithful, generous, hardworking, funny, and kind. She was quick with a joke, often said “I love you,” and was absolutely not a multitasker, something she would have been the first to laugh about. She treasured her friendships, from those that began in childhood to those she made in college, through her work, at church, and around the community. She adored her extended family and always looked forward to the next gathering. She loved traveling with family and close friends, experiencing new places and making memories together.
Throughout a difficult illness, Tracy continued to show the strength, grace, faith, and humor that defined her life.
Tracy is survived by her husband, Greg; sons, Cole and Drew; parents, Pat and Sue Regan; sister, Holly Regan Matoesian (Charles Matoesian) of Lincoln, Ill., her father-in-law John Brinkmeyer, Altoona, Wis., sister-in-law Suzanne Brinkmeyer, Eau Claire, Wis.; a large extended family and circle of friends and of course Rocky. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law Judy Brinkmeyer and cousin Cory Selby. Above all, Cole and Drew will carry with them the certainty that they were deeply and completely loved by a wonderful mom.
Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran in Long Lake, Minn., on Friday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with burial at Trinity Lutheran.
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