Terrance J. Schlink

1938 - 2024

Northfield - Terrance J. Schlink, 86, died peacefully on December 8, 2024, at Evergreen Lodge in Northfield, Minnesota, after a brief stay following 10 years of progressive dementia. He was surrounded by his wife of 64 years, children, and close family. Born on November 15, 1938, in Minneapolis, to Lester J. Schlink and Ada L. Schlink (nee Ledin), Terry grew up in Minneapolis and moved to Bloomington in 7th grade, graduating from Bloomington High School in 1956. In March of that year, he met Marie Gjerde on a blind date. They were married on August 6,1960. Terry initially attended the University of Minnesota and then transferred to Augsburg College for two years. He transferred back to the University of Minnesota to pursue architecture, graduating with two degrees; a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (with minors in Art and Math) in 1961, and a Bachelor of Architecture in 1963. During college, Terry enjoyed being on the Augsburg wrestling team, and worked as an orderly, lifeguard, and swim instructor. The majority of his career was spent in Northfield where he was a principal and partner with the architecture firm SMSQ Architects (Sovik, Mathre, Sathrum, Quanbeck, Schlink & Edwins). Later in his career he worked for Anderson Dale, Parker Durrant International, and Leo Daly in the Twin Cities. Much of his work focused on religious architecture, and Edward Sovik was his invaluable mentor. He also designed numerous facilities for colleges and universities, and civic and corporate buildings in South Korea and China. A few of Terry's significant projects included: Augsburg University Hoversten Chapel (Foss Center); Bell Tower and Centrum at Concordia College; Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Moorhead (MN AIA Award); Temple Israel sanctuary renovation in Minneapolis; Westminster Presbyterian Church 2002 addition and bell tower in Minneapolis; and athletic facilities at Bemidji State University, Carleton College, Hamline University, and Shattuck-St.Mary's School. In addition to his design work, he cared about the integrity of architecture as a profession. He was an emeritus member of the American Institute of Architects, served for many years on the NCARB Registration & Exam Committee, and was appointed to the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design by Governor Arne Carlson. He enjoyed working collaboratively and believed strongly that architecture and design positively impacted people's everyday lives. Terry's faith in a Loving God was central to his daily life. He was a kind and generous gentleman; loved his wife, and each of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren deeply; dressed impeccably since he was a young boy; and led with humor and humility. He was an active member of several churches: Bethel Lutheran Church and All Saints Episcopal Church in Northfield; St. Stephen's Church in Edina; and St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis. In 1977-78 Terry and his family moved to the Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland where they were members of The (Episcopal) Community of Celebration. Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Lester J. Schlink and Ada L. Schlink; grandparents Joseph and Ella Schlink; Arvid and Esther Ledin; sister Beverly Rutherford; grandchildren Maura and Mary Stanton; nephew David Goodoien; and beloved in-laws Luthard and Sophia Gjerde. Survived by wife Marie C. Schlink; children Christine Stanton (Tim), John-Mark Schlink (Anne), and Jeanine Holden (Zach); grandchildren Matthew Stanton, John-Mark Stanton (Sayuri), Sophia Schlink, Greer Krumpelmann, and Siri Holden; great grandchildren, Owen and Isaac Stanton (mother Libby); half-siblings,Tina, Todd, and Brett Schlink (Karen). A celebration of Terry's life will take place at 11:00 on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at St.Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove St, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Visitation one hour prior to service. Reception and meal following. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Augsburg University Luthard O. Gjerde Scholarship in memory of Terrance J.Schlink, 2211 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454. northfieldfuneral.com