As the sun rises in the morning, it reminds us of the joy and warmth Trace Feliciano brought to all of us.  His laughter was our daily sunshine, and his love was our light.  Trace was born on November 19, 1999, in Rockford, IL to Kate Appleby and Dave Feliciano one minute after his twin brother and best friend Lucas Feliciano.  As life went on he took on his role of youngest brother very proudly.

Trace was a proud member of the Genoa-Kingston community.   A graduate of the 2018 class he played many sports and tested teachers patience with his humor and off-road driving skills, driving through the football practice fields, which put a smile on many faces and created work for others.  Trace also served his community by wrapping gifts and delivering them on Christmas Eve for the Goodfellows of Genoa-Kingston and pouring beer for the Kishwaukee Valley Wanderers annual Volksfest.

He started his professional journey as an appraiser at HF Appraisal and later took his talents to Nestle in a Procurement position.

Trace was a true adventurer at heart! He spent many summers at Camp Manito-Wish which were filled with excitement and joy.  It was every kids dream summer, where he learned many outdoor skills and gained life-long friendships.  He had many adventures with Camp Manito-Wish including kayaking Lake Superior and embarking on a month's-long hike in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, where he was stuck on the Bear Tooth mountains for three days after receiving three feet of snow in June.

His love for animals reflected his gentle heart, reminding everyone around him to appreciate the simple joys in life.  He couldn't wait to rescue a dog and adopted one without the knowledge of his mother and his other father Bart Lawson.  We met Mia a "German Shepard – Lab Mix" when he brought her home.  Mia, after a DNA test, is a happy, loving pittie that can be a little barky just like her dad was.

Trace loved spending time with his family.   Getting together for impromptu gatherings and special occasions with his Great Grandma Joan Appleby, many Grandparents Steve and Sue Appleby, Brad and Barb Lawson, and Hector and Barb Feliciano; his countless aunts, uncles and cousins Jeff and Beth Bridger, Brynn, Beau and Blake; Alyssa and Caitlynn; Gary and Barbara Wetzell Jonathon, Anthony and Dylan; Shaun and Jill Roberts Andrew and Cassandra; Lonnie and Laura Dugas, Hunter and Julianna.

Trace also loved to spend time with his many friends.  Trace loved honing his pool playing skills at his home and local watering holes.  He often arranged or attended gatherings with friends where he showed off his bag throwing prowess to the dismay of many challengers.  His enthusiasm for fun was contagious! He always found a way to make every moment count and to bring a smile to everyone's face.

Trace's kindness, laughter, and adventurous spirit brightened the lives of everyone around him. He had a unique ability to bring people together and find joy in the little things, reminding us all to embrace life fully and appreciate each day.

There will be a visitation at Slater-Butala Funeral Home, 132 W. Main St., Genoa on Thursday, September 11th from 3:00 – 6:00 PM, followed by a joyful gathering in his honor and in celebration of his life at The Clubhouse at Riverbend at 600 Winding Trail in Genoa from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Goodfellows of Genoa-Kingston by mailing a check to PO Box 255, Genoa IL 60135, or go to Camp Manito-Wish YMCA at https://manito-wish.org/donate/ways-to-give/ ,  or to the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago - www.epilepsychicago.org continuing his legacy of love and adventure.

Although Trace embarked on a new journey on August 31, 2025, his spirit will forever shine brightly in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. Keep smiling, keep laughing, and keep the adventures alive in his memory!

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com