Terry A. DuRei
January 13, 1948 ~ April 17, 2018
Age 70 of Blaine.
Loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle & Friend, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2018. Preceded in death by parents, Lester & Edwine; brother-in-law, Larry Decker. Survived by wife, Connie; daughter, Kendra Kecker (Kevin Mercier); grandson, Aiden Mercier; siblings, Judy Decker, Richard (Barb), James (Kathy); nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. Terry was a teacher for over 30 years in the Forest Lake School District, a proud Air Force Veteran, and an active member of the Lino Lakes American Legion. He was also a diehard New York Yankees & Syracuse Orange fan.
A celebration of Terry's Life 4:30 PM Tuesday, May 1st, with visitation beginning at 3 PM, at the Lino Lakes American Legion, 7731 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes. Memorials preferred to the Lino Lakes American Legion.
Terry with buddy Carl Aegler at the 2007 Reunion in Las Vegas. Terry never missed a reunion prior to 2016.
Terry with Air Force buddies in Hakata, Japan 1967-1968
Terry with AF buddies about 1967-68 Hakata Japan
Terry with AF buddies about 1967-68 Hakata Japan
May your heart and soul find peace and comfort,
I will miss the many cold beers we shared along with the “Lino LakesFloor Hockey Gang” at the old VFW and Maudies! So much fun with Broomball too! Always laughing,, telling stories, and enjoying everyone,. My condolences to you Connie and family. A super guy that will be greatly missed by all who new him. Geno
A very special guy…..a very special friend to our family. You were loved and will be missed my friend! Have a cold one with Joe!
Have been missing you for 5 years., buddy. So many trips, good times, laughter. Have missed you a ton. Losing a good friend is just as hard as losing a family member. You got screwed out of your retirement. Hoping you are at peace and making folks laugh wherever you are. Thanks for all you did for people. Willard
Have been missing you for 5 years., buddy. So many trips, good times, laughter. Have missed you a ton. Losing a good friend is just as hard as losing a family member. You got screwed out of your retirement. Hoping you are at peace and making folks laugh wherever you are. Thanks for all you did for people. Willard
Terry Durei was one of a kind. His uniqueness is what drew people to him. He was generous, funny, gregarious, loving, passionate, patriotic, and fun-loving. He will always be near to our hearts and live on through Connie, Aiden and Kendra. Bonnie and Jeff (Terry loved to call him Bink) Johnson
Mr DuRei was my teacher the first year Columbus Elem School opened, it was the 4th grade. He made a lasting impression on me… I thought he was a Jets fan too. My thoughts are with you, his family.
Robert (Ted) Shogren
Terry was one of the generous individuals I’ve ever met. He would have given anyone in need the shirt off his back. Terry’s upbeat personality and humor was infectious! It was always fun to be with Terry. I am honored to call him friend and that he was in my wedding. My sympathy to Connie and family. Rest in peace, Taco.
Terry will be missed by all who knew him. His personality would light up a room back in the day.
Terry will be missed by all who knew him. His personality would light up a room back in the day.
Thank you Terry for all you have done. Rest in Peace. Our sympathy to Connie and family.
Terry & Lorna Randall Post 566
Terry was a generous, giving colleague and friend – someone people wanted to hang with.
Thanks for the memories. Jeff Henry
Terry you will be missed.
Gary Millette – A former Air Force buddy.
Terry will be missed by so many, including myself. He had a way of making you feel more important than you probably were. I will miss his morning greetings to me, as I have since he left Columbus. I will continue to keep Connie and the family in my prayers. Maybe the Yankees can win the series for Terry! Love you!
On behalf of the 6918th RSM/SS, Hakata, Japan brothers and sisters. Rest in Peace Brother Terry. The reunions are never going to be the same with out you.
So sorry to hear about Terry! He was a wonderful teacher and always had a smile when I helped at Columbus!
Mr DuRei was an amazing teacher who had a way of making every student feel important. He certainly made an impact on me, and even though I wasn’t in his class, he found a way to get me access to the coveted soda machine ?? You made a difference,, Mr. DuRei! Love, Catherine (Dahl) Moran
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Terry’s military service to our nation in the Air Force.
He was one of my all time favorite teachers!! I begged my mom to get me out of his 6th grade class, but it ended up being a great year and I ended up being one of the biggest teachers pets in his class!! Loved going back to visit in junior high and high school – even as an adult when I was in town, I would go see him at Columbus Elementary. He was a great teacher and great guy and will be missed! Prayers with your family. Sharyl Erickson Pinkerman
We can not express how saddened we are to hear the news of Terry’s passing. Terry was a mentor to both Mel and me in so many ways. From being one of Mel’s favorite teachers to taking a young, wet-nosed teacher under his wing and showing me the importance of giving your best each day and how to have a lot of fun doing it. We will always remember his love for our country and his lessons on why service is important.. We feel incredibly blessed to have been able to call him our friend. Our families prayers are with your family. He will be sorely missed. God Bless.
Lance and Melanie Meier
He was my daughters 6th grade teacher and I’d never met a more compassionate and caring educator. He was a fun, happy and positive influence in many people’s lives. Too young Terry, you left us too young.
Terry ‘s passing leaves a hole in many hearts. I will be forever grateful to have known him My sincere sympathy to his family and many friends. May he rest in peace????