John "Jack" Robert Gracey, 79

John "Jack" Robert Gracey of Cawker City, Kansas, formerly of Broken Bow, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, August 16th, 2026, leaving behind a family who adored him and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Born January 9, 1947, to Dean and Agnes (Apker) Gracey. Jack attended school in Broken Bow, Nebraska where he graduated in 1965. Following high school graduation, he attended Kearney State College before choosing to serve his country and enlisting in the United States Navy. He trained as a Damage Controlman and served during the Vietnam War, including duty with Fleet Activities in Yokosuka, Japan. Jack was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star and the National Defense Service Medal for his service. Following an honorable medical discharge in July 1967, he returned home to Broken Bow, carrying with him a quiet pride in having served his country.

While working in Downs, Kansas, he met Judith Rotman, and the two were united in marriage on September 12, 1970, beginning a life together that would span more than five decades. Following their marriage, Jack and Judy moved to North Platte, Nebraska, where he attended Mid-Plains Vocational-Technical College and earned an Associate's Degree in Drafting. Upon graduating, Jack and Judy moved to Ogallala, Nebraska, where they made their home for five years while Jack worked for Goodall. In 1978, they returned to Broken Bow where they resided for more than 20 years. During those years, Jack joined his father, Dean, as a petroleum salesman and owner-operator of Gracey Oil Company. While living in Broken Bow, Jack and Judy welcomed their daughter, Michelle. Jack was a devoted and loving father, and Michelle held a very special place in his heart.

In his retirement years, Jack and Judy made their home in the Cawker City, Kansas area, where he enjoyed selling real estate. Retirement also gave him more time to enjoy the things he loved the most: fishing, woodworking, riding ATV's, being an avid Huskers and Royals fan, and spending time with friends and family.

Above all, Jack's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an incredibly proud Papa.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Agnes Gracey, in-laws Harold and Katherine "Jean" Rotman, brother, Jerry Gracey, sister Jill Strong, and nephew Joshua Jackson.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Judy Gracey of Cawker City; daughter Michelle (Eric) Minchow, Gretna; granddaughters Madeline, Emma, Macy, and Ellie Minchow; sister in-law, Denise (Jim) Jackson, Glen Elder; niece Jerica (Tony) King and their sons, Truitt and Keller; niece Kay (Carl) Prather; nephew Allen (Joyce) Strong.

Funeral Services will be at Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, Monday, August 24 at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Tuesday, August 25 at 1 p.m. Memorials may be made to WCA, please memo "Youth Fishing Tournament" or Downs Community Foundation, please memo "Downs Veteran Memorial", in care of Schoen Funeral Home & Monuments, 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, Ks 67437.

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John "Jack" Robert Gracey, 79

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