×

Terry Alexander

RAPID RIVER — Terry Alexander, 76, of Rapid River, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Born in Fort Atkinson, WI, Terry was the son of the late Richard Alexander and Marion and Ken Kutz.

Terry is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 55 years, Sue; his children Todd Alexander (Ann Campsure) – Kaukauna, WI and Michelle (David) Stewart – Decherd, TN; grandchildren Zoey Alexander (Blake Halverson) – Winneconne, WI; Brody Alexander – Kaukauna, WI; and Olivia Alexander (Dillon Knoll) – DePere, WI; and great-grandchildren Briggs & Leo. He also leaves behind siblings Yvonne (Terry) Potts, Dwaine (Barb) Alexander, Noreen Lamsam, and Gary Kutz; brother-in-law Bob Haynes; sisters-in-law Sharon Ginter and Tammy (Dan) Sauk; many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends who became family, including Tom and Shirley Peterson, Jayleen Miller, and their winter family in Brenda, AZ.

After graduating from Fort Atkinson High School, Terry proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, completing two tours in Vietnam. Between tours, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart–a love story that endured through every season of life.

Following his discharge, Terry and Sue settled in Rapid River, MI, where Terry worked as a mechanic for Farmer Supply then Bark River Culvert & Equipment before founding T&S Contracting, a business he poured his heart into until retiring in 2013. Retirement didn’t slow him down–it gave him more time for the things he loved most.

A man of deep faith, Terry spent years teaching Sunday School, sharing his love for God with children through creative, fun activities that kept them coming back week after week. His greatest joy was his family. He was always ready to lend a hand, share advice, or simply show up–day or night. He often joked about having a “favorite” son-in-law, oldest granddaughter, youngest granddaughter, and grandson–because in his heart, they all were his favorite.

Terry and Sue loved to travel, and their most memorable adventure was a seven-week, 10,700-mile trip to Alaska, pulling a camper and soaking in the beauty of the open road. He spent many winters in Brenda, AZ with a wonderful group of people from all over the country & Canada. He was happiest at Todd’s hunting camp, keeping the cabin warm for hunters, and at their cottage on Round Lake where laughter and shenanigans were never in short supply (and never instigated by Terry–at least that’s what he claimed! Always Tom’s fault.)

At home, Terry could often be found in his workshop restoring old tractors with his friends Jerry Wilson & Mike Keeker–always with plans to “fix them up and sell them.” But rarely did those tractors leave.

Known for his humor and big heart, Terry never took life too seriously. He worked hard, played hard, and loved even harder. He was the guy you didn’t want to sit next to at a serious event–because chances are, you’d end up laughing and getting in trouble.

Terry will be forever loved and deeply missed as the best husband, dad, papa, brother, and friend anyone could ask for. His legacy of faith, family, and fun will live on in all who knew him.

Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 23, visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone, MI followed by a service at 11:00 AM followed by a luncheon. Terry will be laid to rest by his favorite tractor, a International Farmall B, and graveside burial at the Rapid River Cemetery, with full military honors and taps played by friend Jim Hutchinson, at 1:45 PM

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the U.P. Honor Flight in Terry’s memory. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Alexander family.