Darlene Terry

1939 - 2023

Inver Grove Heights - Darlene V. Terry, age 83, passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at her home with her family by her side.

Darlene was born to Elmer and Verna (Bosshart) Meese, on December 31, 1939, in Faribault. She graduated from Faribault High in 1957 and then continued her studies at Saint Barnabas School of Nursing in Minneapolis becoming a Registered Nurse. She began a long career in nursing by caring for patients at St. Barnabas Hospital. She then worked most of her career in the Northfield City Hospital. As a Registered Nurse, Darlene worked in the emergency department, intensive care unit, and other departments throughout. Darlene was introduced to Chuck Terry through a relative of his. The couple went on to marry on October 3, 1964, in St. John's United Church of Christ in Wheeling Township. They first lived in south Minneapolis and later moved to Rosemount. The couple eventually settled in Inver Grove Heights.

Darlene transitioned from full-time to part-time nursing in order to work alongside her husband when they opened their hardware store in 1978. First Coast to Coast and later named Terry's Ace Hardware. She loved working at the store. Darlene, being a people person, enjoyed visiting with and helping the customers.

Darlene fought a long and valiant battle with cancer. She demonstrated strength, determination and maintained optimism throughout her illness. She was never one to give up.

Darlene loved spending time with family, attending her grandchildren's events and hosting large family meals, especially around the holidays. She also enjoyed her flowers. Darlene had a great sense of humor. She was seen not only as a sister figure by many, but also as a second mom to her son's friends.

Darlene is survived by her husband Chuck of Inver Grove Heights; three sons Pete (Carissa) of Hastings, Wayne (Maria) of St. Clair, Tom (Kimberly) of Farmington; seven grandchildren Colin (Jamie), Steven, Sarah, Isabelle, Benjamin, Alex, and Nicholas. Darlene is also survived by her twin brother Donald (Judy) Meese of Nerstrand. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's United Church of Christ - Wheeling Township on Monday, June 19, 2023, beginning at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield on Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield.

biermanfuneralhome.com.