Terry John McKane

Terry John McKane, 84, of Midland passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025. Terry dedicated his life to serving others - his friends in the Boy Scouts of America, Explorers' Troop #194; his country during the height of the Cold War as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army 4th Armored Division; his city as mayor and councilman of Lansing for more than two decades; his community as a dedicated American history and Gov't teacher and devout church leader; and his family as a beloved and adored husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law and father-in-law.
Terry was a man of deep faith and conviction and served as a Lay Leader in the United Methodist Church. He remained a proud Lansingite throughout his life, attending Elmhurst Elementary, Walter French Junior High School and J.W. Sexton High School. He was especially delighted that his three children graduated from J.W. Sexton High School. He continued his education at Michigan State University where he received his BA and MA degrees.
Forever the family genealogist, Terry inquisitively traced his family's lineage to kings, queens, farmers, peasants, and Mayflower passengers. He served as Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the Michigan Society of Mayflower Descendents and Deputy Governor of the General Society of Mayflower Descendents. He was a gifted public speaker and loved the details of policy, always delving deep into draft city regulations and budgets, community health statistics, and ways to improve neighborhood policing.
Terry was a voracious reader whose appetite for books on American history and civic life was matched only by that of his wife, Virginia. Terry loved classical music - Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart - the greats were his companions on his journey through life. He had a smile that could light up a room and a charismatic personality that won over political opponents and supporters alike. Terry had an incredibly dry sense of humor and quick wit that will proudly live on in his family for generations. Terry worked hard throughout his life, teaching and providing for his family even in his later years. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Mary McKane; his sister Trudy Law; and his parents-in-law Thor and Eliza Amundsen. Terry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Virginia; his children Heather Bolthouse (Bruce), John (Oydin), and Katherine (John Wright); his eight grandchildren Sophia Rose, Ashley Rose, Liam McKane, Audrey McKane, Eliza McKane, Ella McKane-Wright (fiancé Sam Nowak), Ethan McKane-Wright, and Elise McKane-Wright; sister-in-law Anne Wagner; brother-in-law Gerald Law; nephews Brian Schoals, Nathan (Sarah) Wagner, and Matthew (Nikki) Wagner; and niece Bethany Schoals.
Visitation will be held at 10 am on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church in Lansing, Michigan with a Funeral Service at 11 am; followed by a military burial at Glendale Cemetery in Okemos, Michigan. Memorial donations can be made in Terry's honor to: Grace United Methodist Church, 1900 Boston Blvd; Lansing, Michigan 48910.