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Theresa “Terri” Ann Troska, 76, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at Bethany Nursing Home under hospice care in the presence of her loving companion, Dennis Billadeau.

Terri was born March 9, 1944, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Norman W. and Clara M. (Sander) Fertig. In 1962, she graduated from Shanley High School in Fargo and graduated from Bottineau School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1965. In July 1965, she married Roger Troska and later divorced.

Throughout Terri’s nursing career, she worked at various hospitals in Moorhead, Minnesota, South St. Paul, Minnesota, Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, and Austin.  She was a true caregiver who thoroughly enjoyed taking care of others. During her time as an ICU nurse, many families appreciated her kindness and compassion towards her patients.  She was a “Baby Whisperer” who could calm any upset baby and make them happy.  Terri was a true humanitarian with a heart of gold and a deep abiding faith.

Terri was a gregarious extrovert who loved meeting people. She was an incredible cook who created delicious dishes from scratch. She loved the water to go fishing, boating and swimming. Terri was great at preserving memories with her love of photography and her photographic memory. She was a master gardener who enjoyed watching plants grow and appreciated her annual trips to the Tulip Festival in Pella, Iowa. Best of all, Terri was a wonderful, protective, treasure of a mother to her four children!

Terri is survived by her loving life partner of 25 years, Dennis Billadeau, Austin; her children, Michael (Tammy) Troska, Joan (Jeff) Maxfield, Jean Troska and Steven (Melissa) Troska; her grandchildren, Amy, Jessica (Jeff), Jenna (Cory), Isaac (Rujia), Justin, Tyler (Meghan), Jacob, A.J., Hunter and Taryn; her great-granddaughter, Olivia; her brother, Norman (Andi) Fertig; her sister, Sally (Ken) Owen; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister and brother-in-law, Clara and Wayne Brynteson.

Terri’s family would like to give our thanks to the Very Special Care Givers at Bethany on University, Fargo and Ethos Hospice Care, Fargo, for taking such extraordinary care of her!

Honoring Terri’s love of the outdoors, a graveside service celebrating her life was held on May 1, 2020, at Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo. The service was officiated by Father Bill Gerlach. Arrangements were made by Boulger Funeral Home of Fargo. Condolences may be made online at http://boulgerfuneralhome.com/.