12/29/1951 – 09/06/2024
Terry Allen Westphal, 72, of Edgewater, Fla., took his final breaths peacefully, surrounded by his family, in his home the morning of Friday, September 6, 2024.
Terry was born in Preston, Minn., on December 29, 1951, to William “Bud” Westphal and Nina Westphal (Johnson). He grew up on the family farm outside of Spring Valley, where he spent his youth doing chores and caring for the farm animals, particularly his beloved horses. He graduated from Spring Valley High School, where he spent his days wrestling, participating in 4-H, and never missing the opportunity for a good party. By the end of this period, he was nicknamed “Elvis,” a fact he loved to share.
Terry was a complicated man, filled with passion and wanderlust. After high school, he enlisted in the Army, where he would eventually meet his three future wives: Sharon Sweeney, Susan Faurot, and Kim Lien. Terry spent his years traveling, both inside and outside the military, coming and going. By the end, he was well-traveled, having lived in Minnesota, Germany, Kansas, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Texas, California, Florida, and possibly more places we are unaware of. Terry had a passion for riding motorcycles and loved to teach friends and family to ride so they could share the experiences together. He took many trips around the United States but always spoke of the beauty of Germany and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Terry held many jobs throughout his life, but it wasn’t until his 50s that he found his passion as a roadway inspector for the Florida Department of Transportation. He loved being able to get into his truck, drive around Florida meeting new people, inspect the quality of road work, and just drive for the sake of driving. He continued to work with the state until he retired at the age of 67.
Terry spent his golden years traveling between his homes in Florida and Minnesota. In Florida, he enjoyed riding motorcycle, playing cards at the local AMVETS, gardening with his daughter-in-law, feeding the birds, and scolding squirrels for raiding the bird feeders. In Minnesota, he continued to ride motorcycle, visit friends and family, and often served as chauffeur for his busy grandkids and their friends. Never passing up an opportunity to play Rummikub with his son-in-law.
Terry is survived by his six children: Teresa Gramling (Charlie) of Rockport, Tex.; Shannon (Robert) Vogen of Rochester, Minn.; Michelle Westphal of Red Wing, Minn.; Cheri Westphal of Rochester, Minn.; Kristina (Andy) Hammell of Rochester, Minn.; and Troy (Hailey Sloan) Westphal of Edgewater, Fla; his eight grandchildren: Corrin, Braden, Riley, Morgen, Tyler, Roland, Bella, and Lance; three great-grandchildren, with one on the way; his sisters Marlene Niemeyer, Kathy Harrington (Wayne Bamlet), and Jeanna Westphal (Mark Bamlet).
He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant son, Terry Allen Jr.
A celebration of life open to the public will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Spring Valley Community Center located at 200 S Broadway Ave, Spring Valley, Minn. Burial will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 1:45 p.m. at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Section T-1730. Those attending must arrive in Assembly Area 3 – Gate 2, 15 minutes prior to the start of the service.