Grace Bracker

Bracker, Grace Emily MADISON - Grace Emily (Peck) Bracker, age 95, died on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, at the Nazareth House, Stoughton. She was born Aug. 2, 1911, in Hazelton, Iowa, the daughter of the Rev. Joseph and Minna (Grobe) Peck. Grace lived in several small towns in Iowa, graduated from Blairstown Iowa High School in 1928, received her B.A. degree from the University of Dubuque, and taught public school in Iowa until her marriage to Bernhard Bracker in 1939. Shortly thereafter she and her husband moved to Wisconsin. Two children were born to them: Stephen Bernhard in 1942 and Mary Constance "Connie" in 1946. In 1957, Grace returned to teaching and received her M.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin. She taught fifth grade for 20 years at Frank Allis School in Madison. Grace participated in a community of love and care in the Madison Friends Meeting (Quakers), and enjoyed many intense and long lasting friendships that were central to her life. During her retirement she volunteered in various educational and social action activities. Throughout her life she strove quietly but tirelessly to move her corner of the world toward peace, understanding, justice and love. Her flame is quenched; her light shines on. She took great joy in "honorary grandchildren" Patrick Pfeffer, and Patrick and Christopher Ellingson. Grace is survived by her son, Stephen; and her sister, Mrs. Florence (Calvin) Grieder of Boulder, Colo. She was preceded in death by her husband; her daughter, Connie Ellingson; and her brother, Dr. Ernest Peck. A Memorial Service will be held at the MADISON FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE, 1704 Roberts Ct., Madison, at 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com