Terry Lee Dankenbring

Terry L. Dankenbring, Lt Col, USAF (Ret) of Grand Ledge, age 89, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. He was a decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War and spent 24 years as an officer in the United States Air Force before retiring in June 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Lt Col Dankenbring was born on 21 May 1936 in Mulliken, Michigan to his parents Henry & Dorothy Dankenbring. When he was young, he knew he wanted to pilot airplanes. The best way for him to meet that goal was to join the Air Force after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Packaging Engineering. After spending 24 years on active duty with assignments ranging from a navigator on B52 aircraft to working in the War Room at the Pentagon under President Carter to Chief of the Command Post at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan, he retired to Grand Ledge. He was very involved with the Grand Ledge Lions Club and the Grand Ledge First United Methodist Church. He was a former President of the Capital Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, and a State of Michigan President of both the Air Force Association and the Military Order of Foreign Wars. Along with his volunteerism, he worked briefly at Big L Lumber and Discount Tire.

Lt Col Dankenbring received many awards and accolades after retirement. He was honored at the Veterans Memorial Induction Ceremony located at Lansing Community College. He was also awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship from the Lions Club International Foundation. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy (Haueter), and their daughter DeLee, who is also a veteran of the United States Air Force. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael, and sisters Lynn and Sally.

The funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 912 E Scott St, Grand Ledge, MI on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Mills Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Grand Ledge Lions Club or the Capital Area Chapter, Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.millsfuneral.com.