Obituary of Terrance Edward Huckstadt

Terrance Edward Huckstadt

November 3, 1936 - December 18, 2023

A big-hearted, Green Bay Packers devotee (and shareholder) who engaged carnivores and vegetarians alike with his knowledge of meats and butchering, this Iowan brought a smile to everyone who crossed his path. Terry didn’t care the team’s name on your jersey; he was quick to entertain all with one of his many stories.

Terrance Edward Huckstadt, know to his friends as Terry and his fellow meat industry members as “T-Bone”, was a brother, loving husband, proud Dad, hands-on grandfather, eager great-grandfather, and friend to many, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023. He felt both honored and fortunate to have 87 years of building friendship and memories.

Born on November 3, 1936, in Monona, Iowa, to William and Katherine (Reardon) Huckstadt; Terry always believed the Northeast corner of Iowa was God’s Country and he made sure to return as frequently as he was able.

Fortune was with Terry 65 years ago when Karen Halloran moved to Monona for her first teaching position. Little did he know then, their relationship would develop into a 64-year marriage. Terry and Karen were true partners in life, filling their years together with fun, laughter, friends, and travel. Their union would produce a daughter, Ann Marie Huckstadt Smith who he was so proud of and all her accomplishments.

Shortly after marrying Karen, Terry joined the United States Army and they were stationed in Kansas, Colorado, Maryland, and Texas. While serving, their daughter, Ann Marie, was born prompting Terry to make the decision to complete his service, leave military life, and return to school (meat cutting school in Toledo, OH). Soon Terry and his family returned to Iowa where Terry worked for a variety of butcher shops and grocery stores. Then in 1976, Terry and Karen purchased the Meat Locker Plant in Chatfield, MN (Huckstadt’s Meats) and successfully ran a USDA certified plant where they butchered, smoked, grinded, and sold a variety of award-winning products to their customers’ delight.

Whether it was in NE Iowa or Chatfield, Terry supported, engaged with, and proudly served the local community in a variety of ways. While in Mason City, Terry was active with the Knights of Columbus reaching the position of the State of Iowa Convention Chairman. Along with being a proud owner of a thriving Chatfield business, Terry spent time as an EMT on the ambulance crew, was a

Board Member of the Chatfield Development Corp, and spent 29 years on the Root River State Bank Board.

Terry was proud to be a committed family man—initially spending time with his daughter and later with grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was proud to say he never missed his granddaughter’s high school swim meets or his grandson’s football games. This Autumn, Sundays found him at the football field watching his great grandsons play. He also treasured his time traveling across North America with his family. From Alaska to Mexico, Hawaii to New York, Terry loved to explore new places with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Terry is survived by his loving wife Karen, daughter Ann Marie (Peter), his grandchildren Jessica Ann Weinhold (Dan) and Grant Smith (Rachel), and his great grandchildren Mason and Nolan Weinhold. He is also survived by his two sisters Patty Keyes and Sharon Jackley and many loving nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, January 6, 2024, starting at 12:45pm at Summerwood of Plymouth (16205 36th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN)—where Terry and Karen have made their home and friendships over the past two years. Following the service, come celebrate Terry’s life, tell some stories, and enjoy sweet treats and refreshments.

All his life, Terry was a small business owner. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please support your local small business—get out, buy, and thank the small business owners in your community.