Obituary of Darryl Leon Terho

Darryl Leon Terho was born March 20, 1937, to Earl and Esther Terho in Deer River, MN. His parents worked for Grandfather Victor at the Terho Lumber Company near Squaw Lake MN, where Esther was the cook for the camp, and Earl oversaw the men cutting logs. Darryl grew up watching his father riding the “lumber mill carriage” back and forth at the mill and believed that his life would continue there. His sister Marge joined the family in 1938. Home was a small house without electricity or running water. Childhood memories included climbing pine trees, fishing, swimming, homemade stilts, homemade golf course with tin cans, playing marbles, sliding down 30-foot sawdust piles, activities at Finn Hall, taking saunas, and Grandma Anna’s cardamon rolls. Life at the Mill was full of adventure for a young man. When the downturn of the economy impacted the Mill, his family moved to Minneapolis to find work.

After attending a two-room schoolhouse for the first eight years of school, the transition to the City was a big change. He enrolled in the Architecture Program at the Minneapolis Vocational High School. After graduating in 1955, he attended the University of Minnesota and completed his degree in Civil Engineering. While in college, he worked for his Father-in Law at EL King Manufacturing. He went on to work for the Department of Transportation for two years on a team that designed bridges in the Minneapolis area. He spent most of his career at TCAAP (Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant) as Facilities Manager until his final retirement in 2008. Darryl noted that it was “challenging and rewarding work” and he admired his coworkers and enjoyed many years with them.

Family was always important to Darryl. He met Patricia King when at the Minneapolis Vocational School. They married in 1957. They had three wonderful children- Mike, Brenda and Deb. They enjoyed raising their family in South Minneapolis. With both his parents and in-laws nearby, daily life included many good times spent with extended family. His Finnish heritage was evidenced in his humor, his quiet demeanor, his love of saunas and accordion music. He was a supporter of FACA (Finnish American Cultural Activities). He enjoyed softball for over 40 years, crossword puzzles (in pen!), many types of music (especially classic country), boating, and watching sports. He loved nature including birds, butterflies, flowers and sitting by a lake.

Darryl enjoyed traveling to many places. In the early 90’s, he was invited to go with a friend from Ukraine to visit the village of Rudky; he developed many lifelong relationships there and made twelve additional trips over the years, including twice with Deb. His international travels also included two trips to Finland to his grandmother’s birthplace: once with a lifelong friend and “fellow Finn” Rod, as well as once with his son Mike. He enjoyed trips to North Carolina to visit Brenda and her family, which included beautiful mountains and a memorable night at the Grand Old Opry. In later years he enjoyed visits Up North reconnecting with family and friends in the Squaw Lake area.

Darryl walked with Jesus throughout his entire lifetime. He first attended church at a small congregation in Squaw Lake; he proudly noted that his grandfather had donated the lumber to build it. He and his young family attended Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church where he participated in many roles and noted “many friends and memories” were made there. He later attended Trinity Lutheran Church of Minnehaha Falls, where “the congregation warmly welcomed” him; he found extra fellowship with senior lunches and the weekly men’s breakfast. He marveled when seeing God through people’s use of their gifts and talents in this world. He so appreciated the many family and friends who supported him through prayers, cards, visits and baked goods. With many supports, he was able to spend his last days at home until on April 27, 2024 when he peacefully went to his eternal home.

Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church of Minnehaha Falls on Friday May 24th, 2024 5212 41st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417 Visitation will be from 1-1:30pm Celebration of Life Service at 1:30pm Service will be available online at Trinityfalls.org

View online at Trinityfalls.org or anytime on Trinity's YouTube channel