Terry Lee Anderson

Terry Lee Anderson was born on July 10, 1946, at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of Al and Val. Terry graduated in 1964 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Piedmont and was honorably discharged in 1970.

In 1971, Terry met his wife, Lynn. She was instantly drawn to his boat, and his unmatched water-skiing ability. They were married the following year in a small ceremony at Lynn’s parents' home in Detroit Lakes. Shortly after, they welcomed twin daughters, Jennifer and Jean, and made their home in Detroit Lakes, where Terry lived for the rest of his life.

In 1981, Terry and Lynn bought a property just outside of town, where they would build decades of memories. When We-Fest moved in across the road in 1983, they quickly saw an opportunity—not just to host campers from across the Midwest and Canada, but to build a unique, extended family of friends and festivalgoers. Terry took great pride in caring for their land, working on his tractors, and tinkering in his shop. His nuts-and-bolts collection rivaled that of any good hardware store.

Terry worked for many years as an over-the-road truck driver with Gabor Trucking. Later, he turned in his keys and chose to spend more time close to home. He continued working for the Pelican River Watershed and hauled sugar beets in the off-season—jobs he took great pride in and never hesitated to talk about in great detail.

He was an avid vintage snowmobile racer, camper, and four-wheeling enthusiast, especially when it meant spending time with his daughters and building annual traditions together. Terry also enjoyed puzzles, staying up on the news, and an afternoon nap to the sounds of his favorite Westerns or Nascar races.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Terry, you knew sarcasm was his first language—a trait lovingly passed on to his daughters and grandchildren. Nearly every morning, he met with his buddies at the now-closed Grover’s and later the 59er Diner to catch up, talk shop, and try to outwit each other with the next best quip.

Terry is survived by his wife, Lynn; his sisters, Debbie Jordahl and Roxanne (Dave) Duvick; grandchildren Terry (Amir Chraibi) and Matthew (Katie) Lillis; and three great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Velma; daughters, Jennifer (Mindermann), Jean, son-in-law Kenny (Landin); nephew Jason (Wentzel); and brother-in-law Joe (Jordahl).

Terry will be deeply missed by all who knew him—for his wit, his work ethic, and the love he poured into his home.