Terry Muelken
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On April 13, 2022 @ 11:18 am In 2022,Obituaries | 39 Comments
Terry Muelken, age 79, of Prior Lake, MN, went to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.
All services held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, with a visitation on Tuesday, April 19, from 4-7 pm, and Wednesday, April 20, from 10-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am. Friends can live stream the Mass by visiting http://stmichael-pl.org and clicking on the live stream tab. Terry will be laid to rest at Credit River Catholic Cemetery with Father Tom Walker presiding. Pallbearers will be Rick Schmitz, Todd Farrell, Mark Muelken, Chris Caduff, Andy Platt, Brian Marsh, Jason Muelken, and Cally Trimbo. Honorary pallbearers will be the Credit River Tractor Club Members and special honors by the Prior Lake Fire Department
On June 2, 1942, parents Clarence and Ethel (Kaufenberg) Muelken celebrated the birth of their son Terrence Leander. The second of eight tight knit children, he loved growing up on the family farm in Credit River. Along with his siblings and close friends, Terry had many adventures throughout the countryside.
Following his graduation from Lakeville High School in 1960, Terry entered the workforce. Over the years, he worked at Owens Manufacturing, Continental Machines, and Knox Lumber. Sociable and considerate, Terry’s most fulfilling job was with First American Crafts & Gifts, where he owned and operated the business for 27 years.
In his youth, Terry was introduced to a young woman, Barb Trimbo, while attending the movies with friends. Their story began simply with a long-distance phone call and correspondence through letters…Terry said the postage was cheaper than a phone call! The couple was united in marriage September 7, 1963, at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Belle Plaine, MN. Together, they settled in Prior Lake to raise their family.
Wanting to return to his farming roots, Terry and Barb eventually moved to Credit River. Over the years, they enjoyed traveling. However, Terry was most content at home, where he could tend to the land and tinker in his shed. Terry believed strongly in being a steward to the earth.
Terry instilled a deep sense of faith in his children and grandchildren. He taught them the importance of kindness through his actions—daily phone calls with the grandchildren, writing notes and letters to his children, always taking the time to listen, and praying together.
Terry had a servant’s heart and dedicated his time to church and the community. Encouraged by his friends, Terry joined the Prior Lake Fire Department, where he volunteered for 17 years. An avid collector of antique tractors, Terry was also a founding member of the Credit River Tractor Club. Additionally, Terry served countless years on the Credit River Cemetery Board.
A constant presence in his family’s life, Terry leaves them with a legacy of integrity and the knowledge that they have loved a good man.
Terry is missed by his wife of 58 years, Barb; children, Michael (Teresa) Muelken, James (Jodi) Muelken, Lori (Gary) Olson; grandchildren, James Muelken, Bon Muelken, Eli Muelken, Cady Muelken, Maiah Muelken, Jake Muelken, Brittney (Thomas) Joachim, Elizabeth Olson (Aaron), Jamie Olson; great-grandchildren, Jack and Charlee; adopted nephew Naji Verghase; siblings, Bev (Dick) Schmitz, Marge Farrell, Tom (Carol) Muelken, Pat (Larry) Caduff, Linda Platt, and Jeanne Marsh; Brother-in-law, Jack (Laurie) Trimbo; countless relatives and friends.
Terry is greeted in Heaven by his parents, Clarence and Ethel Muelken; brother, Jeff Muelken; brothers-in-law, Ken Farrell and Don Trimbo; sisters-in-law, Judy Busacker and Susan Trimbo; nephew, Troy Farrell, and parents-in-law, Don and Mary Trimbo.
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My heart goes out to your family. Terry was a very nice man and he will surely be missed by you all. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
The world has lost another great person and we have lost our favorite brother-in-law. Deepest sympathy to all the Muelken families.
Jack and Laurie Trimbo
Terry is affectionately known as the hammer by some of his friends ,do to the fact that while working on a project with us he accidentally hit himself in the face with a hammer. He also was called the Colonel, since he always wanted to be an auctioneer. Terry really enjoyed his ice cream. We never passed up a chance to have some. I will miss you Terry
Barb & family: May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Terry was truly a man of God & a friend to many with always a friendly smile to share.
We always enjoyed working with Terry at the Credit River Antique Tractor Shows when we did the concession stand. Sending our sympathy to all of his family.
No words can explain how much you will be missed. Your kindness and friendship will truly leave a void which can never be filled. Our Lord has chosen you as a model for all angels. Peace be with you and your family forever.
To the Entire Muelken Clan,
Terry was a one of a kind person. He had a great sense of humor, true kindness, wonderful values, love of family, faith and friends and he enjoyed his life to the fullest. He was so helpful to me after Dick died. I will never forget his support and advice. May your love and faith give each of you the strength you need to continue his memory.
Dear Barb, Bob & I extend our sympathy to you and your family. Take care of yourself,
Losing your life long mate must be difficult. We pray almighty God comfort you and family during
this Holy Week as His Son Jesus dies on the cross for us.
My Prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time. Terry was an amazing friend. I’ll miss his great sense of humor. Always making people laugh. May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead. Love’n Prayers coming your way.
So sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. I have always enjoyed visiting with him. Such a friendly guy. He was a good friend to all. May he rest in peace.
Barb and Family, I am very saddened by your loss! Terry was such a loving and kind person, and will be missed by many. God bless.
Barb I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Terry.
Sending Hugs, Love and Strength to you and your family
Love, Jo
Barb and family, I was saddened to hear of Terry’s passing. You can take some comfort knowing that he is no longer suffering and at peace.
Dear Muellen Family,
I am so sorry to learn of Terry’s passing. I saw him last at the gift shop on Co Rd 83 several years ago when I was back in MN visiting. He was the nicest guy! All of your clan are. Sending prayers and hugs.
……..Susan Stolarcek……
Barb & family, We were saddened to learn of Terry’s passing. The two of you were quite a team and special friends to many, Know that all your dear friends have you and the family in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Terry is now safely home in heaven and likely driving his most favorite antique tractor as we speak.
Our best always, Carman & Gerald (aka Mize)
Terry has always been one of the kindest souls on this earth. If God says it is time, we take comfort knowing Heaven is that much more Heavenly. To Terry’s loved ones, we hope your grief is soon overwhelmed with warmth knowing he will always be looking out for all of you.
Mulken and Olson Family
Enough good things can’t be said about Terri. There are few truly kind souls like him. I have countless memories of of the joy and happiness he brought not only to me but everyone in the room. I’m so grateful and blessed that I got to know him. I’m thinking of all of you during this time and sending love to everyone.❤️
Barb and family
Barb so sorry to hear about the passing of Terry. He was an amazing man,always in good humor and freindly to everyone.May you find comfort knowing Terry’s in a better place with God.Fond memories will continue as God gives you and your family great strength to carry on. Love and Prayers Always
My Condolences to the Maulken family
Barb and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Terry. The obituary is a beautiful tribute to a special man. We hope you find strength with your faith, family and friends. Know that you are in our prayers during this difficult time.
With love and sympathy,
Yogi & Judy Smith
My heart is heavy with sadness over Terry’s passing. He and Barb both hold a very special place in my heart. I will see that smile for the rest of my own days, and will smile each time I think of him. My love to Barb and prayers for her heart’s pain, and prayers for all who loved him ♥️
My deepest condolences to the Muelken family. Praying that our Lord will give you comfort during these difficult days.
So sorry for your families loss. Terry was one of the best guys I’ve ever know. I worked with him for many years and loved every minute. He was so funny and genuine. He will truely be missed.
So sorry to hear the sad news…
He will surely be missed… I loved working along side Terry years ago at Owens box factory… He had such a great personality, always joking with everyone. . . I believe he was everyone’s friend.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. May he RIP. He was a wonderful neighbor for many years. Blessings for your family at this time.
Barb and family, I am so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing, he was one of the nicest men I had the privilege of ever knowing, my thoughts and prayers are with your beautiful family,I have so many fond memories or Ter, we were lucky to have known him
Sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. Always one of my favorite classmates. I remember all the cool tractors after our class reunion.
Marty
So sorry to learn about Terry’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barb and family, I was so saddened to hear of Terry’s passing. The greatest honor one can receive is be remembered as a good man and that Terry certainly was. I am holding you tight in my heart as God welcomes Terry into his Kingdom with loving open arms. HUGS and God Bless . Ted and Jo
Dear Barb and family, wanted to say that I share your sadness at the passing of Terry. He was always so kind to me. I know that the warm memories and the love he left behind will provide comfort in the difficult days ahead.
My prayers and thoughts are with the family. Worked with Terry for many years at Knox Lumber. We used to take lunches together in the early days, he could always make me laugh. Also working with my dad Ken Greening at Knox and at The Trading Post, many adventures and side jobs. Terry was a great friend to Ken.
We respected him greatly. He will be missed by many, a one of a kind guy. Very outgoing and kind, a true people person. A true icon. Never to be forgotten. God bless all of you Barb and family. Tammy and Brian Mcafee.
(Greening, Kissell).
RIP Terry. He was a great guy and will be missed by many.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Terry. although my time with the family was limited, Iwas always impressed by his kindness. I know he will be sadly missed. I hope the family finds solice in remembering the joy he brought during his time on earth.
Dear Mrs. Muelken, Lori, and family,
The entire Opportunity International family is saddened by the passing of Terry Muelken, your husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. His actions and words reflected his beliefs, and the outpouring of love from family and friends are a testament to his character. While heaven celebrates his homecoming, may you and your family find comfort in the Lord’s arms that surround you.
We join you in thanksgiving for his live and that he lives in you and your extended family. Praying God’s peace over you and your family.
We are so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing….He would always smile and wave at us as we were driving by….A truly kind, gentle man that will be missed by many. Greg & Jane Smith on Dakota Avenue
Sad to hear of Terry’s passing. Terry so easy to get to know and share stories of life.RIP Terry
I am so sorry for your family’s loss.. My deepest sympathies .
My heart and prayers are with you..
Was talking to a friend tonight, and Terry’s name came up.
I googled him to see if he was living in the same area and his obit came up. I am heartbroken!
Terry was my boss for many years at Knox Lumber. One of my favorite bosses.
Was invited to dinner at his home. Attended some Knox Lumber reunions that he hosted.
So sorry to you Barb and your family.
You already know this, but what a great man!
He will be missed.
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Saddened to hear this. Rest in peace Terry, you will be missed!