It is with great sadness the family of Terry Gene Wiese announces his passing after a brief illness on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at the age of 74 years. Terry was surrounded by his loving family in his home in Owatonna, Minnesota.

Terry was born April 6, 1943, in Osage, Iowa, to Walter and Bernice Wiese. More opportunities presented itself and the Wieses made their way to Austin, Minnesota, where Terry thrived at and developed a passion for sports. He graduated from Austin Pacelli High School in 1961 and then Austin Area Vocational School in 1963. It was during this time he met a vivacious brunette from Lansing, Minnesota, Barbara Jean Thompson. They would be married in 1963 in Austin, and she would become his foundation for a life journey that would provide him with a beautiful family, home, successful career and a wide circle of friends who would love him. The young couple moved to Owatonna, for Terry to become a supervisor at Owatonna Tool Company. A successful career and loving home provided a place for their children Kim, Gary and Marc to thrive in. Professionally, Terry transitioned into sales where he spent the remainder of his career until he retired in 2006.  Even in retirement he welcomed the chance to work with his son, Gary, and became president of Southern Minnesota Oil Services.

He was an active dad and didn’t miss Kim, Gary and Marc’s activities and sporting events. He coached youth sports where many other friends of the Wiese kids got to enjoy Terry. Always active, Terry was a member of the Owatonna Elks, Eagles, VFW Club, Minnesota Sheriff’s Association and Owatonna Blue Line Club. Terry had a love for the Steele County Free Fair where he served as evaluation superintendent for several years.

Terry tried to winter in Florida, but his love and commitment to his grandchildren proved to be too strong. He skipped the beach and instead endured the chilly Minnesota weather to watch football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, softball and lacrosse games. Friends always welcomed the chance to play cards with Big “T.” He was a killer 31 player and his laugh during get-togethers lit up the room. There wasn’t anything Terry could not or would not cook on the grill. Friends loved that no matter what he was grilling, there would always be a hot dog or two on the grill. After many years in sales and extensive traveling, Terry had a passion for cars. He loved his Corvette and relished any chance he could get to drive it, including an extensive trip on Route 66. Terry lived his life for his family and friends and he will always remain with us.

Terry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Barbara; his mother, Bernice; his three children, Kim Krause (Larry) of Waseca, Minnesota, Gary Wiese (Sheila) of Owatonna, and Marc Wiese (Sara) of Owatonna; grandchildren, Courtney Rosenau, Katie Rosenau (T.J. White), Mitch Wiese, Zach Wiese, Justin Krause, and Hailey Krause; great-grandchildren Mason and Sadie; and his sister, Julie (Pat) O’Brien of Waseca. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Walter Wiese; and his sister, June Nierengarten.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna, and one hour prior to the service at church. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Owatonna.

Memorials are preferred to Owatonna Quarterback Club or Owatonna Blue Line Club.