Terrence "Terry" Percy Holmquist

Terry Holmquist, age 83, of Spicer, passed away Monday morning, November 20, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar following a courageous fight against lung cancer.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, at the First Presbyterian Church in Willmar.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Terry's life are strongly encouraged to the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter, The Link or the Spicer Library.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Green Lake Funeral Home in Spicer.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Terrence “Terry” Percy Holmquist was born on July 29, 1940, in Bristol, South Dakota, the son of Percy and Winifred (Johnson) Holmquist.  As a boy, he helped his father on the family farm northwest of Holmquist, SD.  He attended country school for 6 years.  At the age of 12, his family moved to Bristol where he worked in the family grocery store.  Terry graduated from Bristol High School in 1958 and from Northern State University in 1961, earning his bachelor’s degree in education.  That fall, Terry began teaching at New London-Spicer High School, a job that was to last until he retired from full-time teaching in 1998.  Terry received his master’s degree in 1965 and continued to earn credits from various colleges.  He continued to teach Advanced Placement classes on a part-time basis until 2013.

In 1967, Terry married Ruth Quam, to which this union one son, Travis, was born.  In 1977, Terry was united in marriage to Deborah Neddermeyer in Long Lake, MN, a blessed union which lasted until his death.

Terry was an ordained Elder at the First Presbyterian Church, serving 3 terms on Session.  In addition, he served on various committees, chairing two of them.  Terry and his wife, Deb both participated in singing as member of the music team.

Terry was also active in community affairs, serving for many years on the Planning and Zoning Commission.  He served for 14 years as a member of the Spicer City Council.  Terry also volunteered for many years to work at the many events over the 4^th of July, including the Green Lake Road Race.

Terry had many pastimes which he enjoyed.  He was a charter member of the Little Crow Country Club and frequently played in league events and club tournaments.  Since retirement, Terry has been a regular in the noon Seniors league.  He also enjoyed bowling and bowled in league at the New London Bowl for over 40 years.  Terry spent many enjoyable hours reading and was a regular at the Spicer Library.  Other activities he enjoyed were playing bridge, computer games, writing, and sharing time with his wife.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deb of Spicer; one sister, Jacquelyn Fritzke of Watertown; besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Travis; and two nephews.