Terry Lee Anderson

Age 74 of Stillwater, passed away on May 6, 2026 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Terry was born on August 2, 1951, in Wheaton, Minnesota to Vernell and Lucy Anderson. He was the oldest of two boys, with his younger brother, Gregg, born just a few years later in 1954.

Growing up in a small town in Western Minnesota, Terry was a proud graduate of Wheaton High School in 1969. He went on to study Architecture at North Dakota State University, graduating in 1973. While his later education was important, probably the most significant part of his life happened in grade school, when he met a young girl named Nancy Larson. They would begin 'dating' in high school and remained at each other's sides until Nancy's unexpected passing almost 4 months to the day prior to Terry's.

Terry was a troubadour. He bought his first guitar from a Sears catalog while in High School and continued to play/sing throughout his life. Through singing, his personality came through in song; compassion, love, thoughtfulness and gentleness that made you feel at home. He wrote a song declaring his love for Nancy when he was only 16 years old, one which his family is still able to enjoy listening to almost 60 years later.

Terry and Nancy were married on August 29, 1970, in Wheaton. They moved to St Paul, Minnesota shortly after he graduated from NDSU and had two sons; Nate and Nic. Outside of his family, the next biggest moment of his life came in 1979, when he started working for an Architecture firm in St Paul, BWBR. This was a place that would be like a second family to him (and his family) for the next 29 years until he retired in 2008. Outside of personal successes of becoming both a Principal (1985) and Director (1994), BWBR and the employees there became an important extended family unit. Family picnics, softball, fantasy football, work trips/outings, and countless card games were among the many things that he relished throughout his life.

Outside of family and work, Terry enjoyed music, golf, travelling and food. He actually contemplated becoming both a professional golfer or a musician before finalizing his plans with Architecture. He loved cooking, and that was enhanced through a food group that he and Nancy did with 3 other couples for 20+ years, starting in 2001. Both pre and post-retirement was filled with travel, including many years spent with family in Cabo. He was easily spotted on every trip with his Panama hat and a brightly colored Hawaiian shirt.

His love for his grandchildren was a cornerstone for him later in life. He was extremely active in every one of his grandchildren's life and was a source of unconditional love.

Terry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy (Larson); and parents, Vernell (Andy) and Lucy (Walz).

He is survived by his sons, Nate (Rohini) and Nic; grandchildren, Madalyn, Brady, Yash, Simon, Tyler, and Ayush; brother, Gregg (Judi); and many other relatives and friends.

A special thank you to all the wonderful staff at Good Life Nursing Home.

Celebration of Life 11am Sunday, June 14th at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, with visitation beginning at 10am. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association.