Cover photo for Terry Floyd Terwilliger's Obituary
Terry Floyd Terwilliger Profile Photo

Terry Floyd Terwilliger

October 9, 1936 — August 17, 2023

Centennial, Colorado

Terry Floyd Terwilliger

 

Terry Floyd Terwilliger, aged 86, passed away peacefully at home in Centennial, Colorado, on August 17, 2023. He was born on October 9, 1936, in Vermillion, South Dakota, to Mary and Edwin Terwilliger. Terry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jerre Terwilliger, his son Troy (spouse Bobbie), and his daughter Jennifer Frey (partner Mark). He was blessed with five grandchildren: Lily, Iris, Maddox, Logan, and Rylee. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Edwin, his twin brother Harry, and his younger brother Bob.

Growing up in Waukegan, Illinois, Terry graduated from Waukegan High School in 1954. During his school years, he participated in Boy Scouts and ROTC. After completing a year of college, he took a job at Johnson Motors, the same workplace as his father. He quickly established himself there and eventually became a Draftsman in the Engineering department. In 1959, he was drafted into the Navy and embarked from New York City. He spent two years traversing the seas aboard the USS Prevail, a survey ship. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Johnson Motors until 1962. However, his longing for the Colorado Mountains became too strong to ignore, prompting him to head west to pursue a life of trout fishing, skiing, and backpacking.

Upon receiving a glowing recommendation from Johnson Motors, he secured a job at C.A Norgren, where he worked for 37 years, retiring as a Senior Project Engineer. Terry greatly enjoyed his work, finding satisfaction in letting his creativity and engineering prowess flourish. One of his notable achievements was developing a groundbreaking gear shift for semi-trucks. Throughout his life, Terry was deeply involved with his churches and participated in various social groups that fostered friendships, and a diverse understanding of others. He volunteered for the National Ski patrol for several years in Colorado, which was a good crossover from his competitive water skiing. His love for travel led him to make numerous trips across the seas, each meticulously documented and compiled into a final trip DVD for everyone to enjoy.

Terry possessed a sharp mind that could swiftly analyze problems and generate solutions, making him the go-to person when others encountered roadblocks and needed assistance. His favorite saying was, "I like to think outside the box." Undoubtedly, Terry found solace in standing in a serene river full of trout, gliding down the slopes of Colorado, or sending that little white ball down the center of the fairway.

 

In lieu of flowers, the Terwilliger family would like donations to:

St Andrew Outreach Programs

9203 S. University Blvd

Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Terry Floyd Terwilliger, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Graveside Service "Staging Area C"

Thursday, August 31, 2023

1:30 - 2:00 pm (Mountain time)

Fort Logan National Cemetery

4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Friday, September 1, 2023

10:30 - 11:30 am (Mountain time)

St Andrew United Methodist Church

9203 S University Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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