Mike Gracey

    Michael James Gracey was born July 31, 1950, to James Gracey and Carol Bethene Hircock in Loup City, Nebraska. He died Nov. 23, 2018, at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke. He was 68 years old.
    Mike married Paula Ann (Wiggins) Gracey. Paula passed away in 2008.
    Mike managed the co-op grain elevator at the Colorado/Nebraska state line as well as in Paoli for most of his life.
    Mike had a long-time membership to the Holyoke Golf Course. Mike’s passions in life were fishing and golf. He was also an avid pheasant hunter and bowler. During his younger years, Mike played league fast-pitch softball.
    Mike graduated from Holyoke High School, where he was active in sports. He served as punter for the Holyoke football team. Mike’s mother, Carol Schmidt, was quite proud when all three of her boys were on the field at the same time.
    One of the most interesting events in Mike’s life was when he won the Bass Magazine’s annual competition for catching the largest bass in a given state. As a result of this win, he was flown to Florida, where he participated in a bass fishing tournament on Lake Kissimmee. Mike came in fifth place out of the 50 contestants competing in the tournament.
    Mike is survived by his sister, Susan and Larry Davidson of Hayward, California; and his uncle, Don and Darlene Hircock of Austin.
    Mike was preceded in death by the love of his life, Paula Gracey; his father, Jim Gracey; mother, Carol Schmidt; stepfather, Merle Schmidt; brothers, Terry and Danny Gracey; and grandparents, George and Ardis Hircock.
    There was a graveside service Nov. 30 at the Holyoke Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Gary Rahe of Zion Lutheran Church.
    The service was directed by Baucke Funeral Home.