Obituaries & Guestbook

On Thursday, December 26, 2024, surrounded by the love and support of his family, Terry A. Parks was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born in DeFuniak Springs, FL on November 18, 1944, Terry was the son of the late Clyde F. and Mamie J. Parks. As a member of a military family, Terry’s childhood was marked by frequent moves, taking him from Florida to Alaska before settling in South Dakota. He graduated from Rapid City Central High School in Rapid City, SD and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Sioux Falls.
Terry believed he received two vocational callings on his life from God – to serve as a teacher and a pastor. He began his career teaching social studies and coaching debate in Albion, MI before relocating to Sheboygan, WI where he continued in the same roles at Sheboygan North High School. He served as the President of the Wisconsin Debate Coaches Association and was honored as a Diamond Key Recipient by the National Forensic League (now the National Speech & Debate Association). It was during this period that he began teaching Bible studies at the Sheboygan eFree Church, where he first met his future bride, Susan (Sue) Pierce, and where, on July 21, 1973, they exchanged vows. After sensing a call into ministry, Terry began serving as Associate Pastor at the Sheboygan eFree Church while pursuing his studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. In 1978, he was ordained and assumed the role of Senior Pastor. With a genuine love for his congregation and a deep passion for nurturing their faith, Terry dedicated himself to serving the church for fourteen years (1976–1990). Terry then returned to teaching, this time at Sheboygan South High School, where he taught social studies and history for the next 18 years. He also earned a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from Marian University in 1992. He took a heartfelt interest in each student and was dedicated to helping each one achieve their full potential. Throughout his working years, Terry was a frequent speaker at schools, colleges, conferences, Bible camps and churches and also participated in multiple mission trips, including to Mexico, Japan and Pakistan.
During retirement, Terry loved teaching adult Bible classes at the Sheboygan eFree Church. Later, he had the joy of serving as the Continuing Care Coordinator at the Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home. Terry enjoyed family gatherings, reading, walking – especially with his sweetheart – and watching college sports. His well-worn Bible reflects his love for God’s Word.
Terry is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Michelle (Andy) Kautzer of Sheboygan, WI, son Andrew (Kristin) Parks of Minnetonka, MN, and seven grandchildren: Joshua, Caleb, Bethany, and Drew Kautzer; and Elyse, Brielle, and Audrey Parks. He is also survived by brothers Norman (Bonita) Parks and Larry Parks. He was preceded in death by his mother Mamie J. Parks, father Clyde F. Parks, and sister Wanda Warner.
The memorial service for Terry will be conducted at the Sheboygan eFree Church at 1710 North 15th Street, Sheboygan, WI with Rev. Jon MacDonald officiating. Visitation of family and friends will be held at the church from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, January 10th, and on Saturday, January 11th, from 9:00 am until the service begins at 11:00 am. A livestream of the service will be made available via the Sheboygan eFree Church YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@sheboyganefreechurch4580).
Terry’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and skilled professionals at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, whose exceptional care and kindness supported Terry throughout his journey with pancreatic cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Terry’s name to the Sheboygan eFree Church’s Love in Action, to Baby Care via P.O. Box 263, Kohler, WI 53044, and/or to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
Terry’s last request was to remind family and friends that he is more alive now than he has ever been on earth. He desires that each family member, former student and colleague, church member, and friend can be with him in heaven by personally putting their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through faith and by the marvelous grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). He also reminded Sue, Michelle, and Andrew, “Let Him use you! I love you so much. I’ll see you in Heaven.”