Terry Schlotfeldt

Just shy of her 78th birthday and true to her character, Terry (Coats, Shavlik) Schlotfeldt finished her calling on this Earth with stubborn strength and grace on March 1, 2026, with family around at her home in Mankato, Minnesota. Terry was known and loved in all places that she called home, which included Wyoming, Alaska, and Minnesota. For those that did not know her, there aren't enough allotted characters in this obituary to justly describe Terry's life and her accomplishments. Plus, she would have been appalled by such a write-up. To those that did know her, you know what a gift her presence was. Hopefully, you also know how much she appreciated and cherished your presence in her life. Terry was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who always had time for you. She was a great role model and lived her life as an example of a woman strong enough to handle what was thrown her way, while remaining soft enough to feel every moment. She continued teaching those around her until the very end.

Terry's family stretched beyond bloodline. Family included many that her children, when they were young, were shocked to learn had no blood relation but were still called Aunt or Uncle. Terry had many talents and passions and, if not required to work, would have devoted all of her time and attention to her kids (biological, foster, and chosen), grandkids, and great grandkids. She was immensely proud of her family and realized how special and rare it was. There are too many family members to list here; you all know who you are.

In typical Terry fashion, never one to want to draw attention, she has requested no service or funeral and instead wished for you to share that time with those near and dear to you. Terry's family will follow her wishes for placement of her ashes in the near future.

P.S. For those that knew her, you are probably asking what about her collection of snowmen? The snowmen have been adopted by multiple new caretakers, as no one's heart was big enough to care for them all. Please think of her every time you see a snowman and honor her with an act of kindness.