In loving memory of

Terry Luther
June 21, 1946 - September 2, 2019

Waterloo/Poynette
Terry Luther, age 73, passed away peacefully at his home on Lake Wisconsin Monday, September 2. Terry was born on June 21, 1946 in Columbus, WI. He had many adventures growing up in Waterloo with fond memories of playing baseball, hunting, boating and trips to Canada with his buddies. He was an infielder for the Home Town Talent team and was offered a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies out of high school. Instead, he opted to attend UW-Oshkosh.

He had several careers over his lifetime. Out of college, he worked for Royle Publishing as a sportswriter. He also worked as a sales rep in the food industry for the E. Z. Gregory Company and he retired from Sysco Foods in 2005.

As a sports writer for the Sun Prairie Star Countryman he had a weekly column "Name of the Game". The column was informative and humorous. He used those writing skills to help develop the Badger Report and the Packer Report under the guidance of Ray Nitschke.

On June 6, 1981, he married Nancie and they lived their dream for 39 years on Lake Wisconsin. Sweet T, as he was called, was a wonderful husband and stepdad to Nancie's son, Robb Strommen. His quiet guidance and gentlemanly manner were instrumental in Robb being the man he is today.

His years at Lake Wisconsin were not only fun-filled but productive. Being well-versed in the history of Lake Wisconsin, he loved to captain his boat teaching many the ins and outs of navigating this beautiful lake. As a master diver, Terry was instrumental in the development of the Lodi/Lake Wisconsin Columbia County Dive team and a member of Lodi Ducks Unlimited. Being on the water was in his soul and he loved passing that love onto others, especially kids. He was the perfect teacher in all things water related, be it boating, skiing, fishing or swimming. He and Nancie's parties were legendary. Friends and family were always welcomed with a cold one and many parties were had where a band would play from the top of their boathouse.

Terry was a witty man and had a keen sense of humor. He enjoyed a funny comeback almost as much as a Brandy Old Fashioned--sweet of course!
He and Nancie enjoyed many Montego Bay, Jamaica trips with family and friends and wintered in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Water being at the heart of who Terry was.

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Nancie Luther (Eilts-Strommen), his stepson, Robb (Ann) and his beloved grandchildren, Sydney, Nate and Katie Ann whose photos he would share with prospective friends in the checkout like at the local Piggly Wiggly. Additionally, his Aunt Florence Veith survives him. Her 100th birthday in July was the last event that Terry attended. He cherished his nieces all from Green Bay, Angie Helland (Kyle), Sara Castro (Ty), Lisa & Sherri Jelinski and Brenda Eilts. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Shelley Martin (Jeff), brother in-law Jeff Eilts (Bonnie) & Dick Jelinski.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph (Pat) & Mabel Luther, and sister-in-law Linda Jelinski.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 521 Fair Street, Lodi on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 11:00 am with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of Mass at the church.

Memorials can be made to Agrace Hospice, Carbone Cancer Center and Waterloo Historical Society.


The family is so grateful to the many friends and neighbors who were there to lend a helping hand and friendly visits in his final days. The compassion and love shown for him brought great comfort to his family and surely eased his journey. God Bless you all.

Many thanks go to the wonderful staff at Agrace Hospice and the EMS volunteers from Poynette and the Carbone Cancer Center staff, who were always so gracious and patient and above all, caring.

Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI
608-837-9054

Tributes

Chuck and Cindy West wrote on Sep 23, 2019:

"Nancie, Our love and condolences to you and your son and family. Terry's memory will always be here on Lake Wisconsin. We are grateful for the times we did share with you and Terry. All our love, Chuck and Cindy West"

Judy (Davel) Isaac wrote on Sep 20, 2019:

"Nancie, So sorry to hear of Terry's passing. My sincere condolences. Judy (Davel) Isaac"

Jon Vinje wrote on Sep 16, 2019:

"Terry's reporting and commentaries for the Country Man were always insightful, literate and respectful of the competition and it's competitors. He understood the value of humor as a tool for good. I'm sorry for your loss. Jon Vinje, Sun Prairie class of '74"

Don and Joan Schuette wrote on Sep 15, 2019:

"Terry's obituary brought back so many good memories we have of our time on Lake Wisconsin. You have our deepest sympathiey."

Randy Birkholz wrote on Sep 14, 2019:

"Nancie sorry to here about Terry."

Werner wrote on Sep 11, 2019:

"Nancie, so sorry for your loss. RIP Sweet T."

Nancy Simons wrote on Sep 11, 2019:

"Nancie, My heart goes out to you and your family. What a wonderful man he was. I know you two were very happy and in love. It has been 13 years since Mike passed and I try to keep all the good memories alive. Not a family event goes by without someone bringing up Mike's name for any reason. I hope this little piece of advice helps even just a little to help bring that smile back to "

Bob Shaver wrote on Sep 10, 2019:

"Nancie, I am sorry for your loss. This ancient wisdom seems very relevant right now. "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." Pericles. Terry contributed to the creation of memorable experiences for many. He will be missed. I send you many hugs for your time of grief. Bob Shaver"

Peggy Ford wrote on Sep 8, 2019:

"Mr. T, what wonderful memories were made on beautiful Lake Wisconsin and, of course Clearwater Beach! Will so miss that quick wit, the ?puns? and smile; RIP; Hugs my dear friend Nancie."

Rick Luther wrote on Sep 8, 2019:

".My name is Rick Luther. I'm a year older than Terry, however he was a first cousin to my dad Marvin. When we were 12-13 years old, our families spent a week at a resort near Spooner Wis, We had a great time. I wish we would have kept in touch."

Nancie Luther wrote on Sep 8, 2019:

"RIP sweet Terry!!"

Angie Helland wrote on Sep 8, 2019:

"Uncle T, We love you so much and feel so fortunate to have had you in our lives. Thank you for sharing so many amazing memories with us. We will forever cherish these memories and will always think of you with a smile! Love Angie, Kyle and Jack "