Tracy Haugen Velazquez, 54, Minot, died Friday, July 8, 2016, in a Minot hospital.

Tracy was born January 21, 1962, in Minot, ND to Gary and Janene (Benedict) Haugen. She was raised and educated in Minot, where she graduated from Minot High School in 1980. She moved to Grand Forks and attended Beauty School.

Tracy returned to Minot, where she met Philippe Velazquez. They were joined in marriage in New Jersey. This union was blessed with two children, Philippe II and Taylor. They moved throughout the country as they followed Philippe's military career to Miami, Florida.

Tracy spent her professional career working as a finance manager in many car dealerships throughout her twenty years in Miami and locally upon her return to Minot in 2006. Tracy excelled wherever she worked giving 500% to everything she did at work and for her family.

Tracy was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Minot. She was an exceptionally compassionate person who loved and gave unconditionally. She was affectionately known as Mrs. Christmas by her family, who also enjoyed the holiday and its true meaning and of course the sweets. Tracy was a perfectionist and was the main contractor in the renovation of her homes that always reflected her artistic touch and feel. She enjoyed gardening and growing flowers of all colors and varieties. Her love of all animals was always on display and matched her beauty on both the outside and inside. She will be missed always, but never forgotten.

Those cherishing her memory include her children, Philippe (Mariely Moro) Velazquez II, Minot and Taylor (fianc Wyatt See) Velazquez, Minneapolis, MN; loving companion, Joe Gieser, Minot, ND and his children, Brianna (Gabe) Strube, Fargo, ND and Jenell Gieser, Salt Lake City Utah; grandchildren, Tre and Mia Velazquez; sister, Jeani (Michael) Hynes, Minneapolis, MN; mother, Janene Haugen, Minot and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Tracy was preceded in death by her father, Gary Haugen and grandparents, Pauline and Bud Benedict and Harold and Catherine Haugen.

Memorial Service: 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2016 at Northland Harvest Church, Minot, ND.
Booksigning will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2016, from noon until 3:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred and can be sent to Phillip Velazquez at 13001 2nd St. NW Lot 63, Minot, ND 58703.