Terry Ladd
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Terry LeRoy Ladd, age 73, of Palisade, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 30, with family by his side.
Willy Wonka had nothing on T-Ladd. An avid treat-eater, he taught his grandkids there is nothing wrong with eating pie for breakfast (or lunch or dinner). He had the diet of a 12-year-old, and would often be found munching on snacks and goodies (cheese balls, popcorn, donuts, Ritz crackers with peanut butter and jelly, the list goes on) instead of eating "real" meals. And with a reputation for spilling (He often called himself "mama's little piggy"), it's no wonder his dogs and grand-dogs liked spending so much time by his recliner!
Terry loved his simple life, spent almost entirely in Palisade. From making the sweetest syrups and jams from his own raspberry bushes, to mowing his grass in his floppy hat, to planting and babying his flowers (Terry's secret: some of them are fake) and vegetables, his green thumb was evident. His interest in history was passed on to his grandkids, who will always remember his TV being set to World War 2 and Nazi Germany documentaries, even during "uplifting" family gatherings. He also loved learning about family history and heritage. He shared this knowledge when he took his kids and grandkids on a trip to the orphanage where his dad lived. Doesn't every family take summer trips to orphanages? His wardrobe consisted of flannel, a year-round fashion choice that perfectly complemented his suspenders and faded jeans.
Terry loved nature, and was able to enjoy the outdoors during his 30-year career as a park ranger at Sandy Lake for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The opening morning of rifle deer season took on "top holiday" status for Terry, and for decades, he hosted an opening morning breakfast where he and his guests shared stories of hunting seasons gone by. Deer hunting was a year-round endeavor for Terry, who spent hours drawing maps to plan drives, studying and sharing "trail cam" pictures with his nephews, and sighting in guns with his son and grandsons. Believe it or not, even though he was a sharpshooter in the Army, Terry didn't bag many deer. He always said he was "waiting for the big one," but we think he never wanted the hunt to end. Some of his ashes will be spread by his deer stand, so his hunt can forever continue.
Terry's stage 4 cancer diagnosis was a time for him to show how he could make lemonade (with lots of sugar) out of lemons. He became more engaged with his kids and grandkids. He found humor (although not always appropriate) in his circumstances, and had a quiet laugh that his loved ones can picture and imitate. Terry's art degree from Bemidji State was used to showcase his creativity throughout his life, but following his diagnosis, painting became a renewed favorite pastime for him. All who visited saw the joy he took in creating miniature landscapes for family and friends, some of which will be on display at the visitation and service. Terry found the most joy in simply being home, which was made possible by the incredible caregiving by his wife, Karen, over the past 3 years.
Terry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen; 3 children, Anika (Jon) Dervetski, Amy (Daniel) Buchholtz, Ryan (Carolynne) Ladd; 4 grandchildren, Sarah (15), Nolan (14), Brendan (12), and Rose (10); 5 siblings, Lois (Dick) Sundberg, Larry (Dianne) Ladd, Dick (Peggy) Ladd, Steve (Evie) Ladd, and Eileen Sherman; 2 brothers-in-law, Gary (Judy) Anderson and Scott (Jo) Anderson; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Evelyn (Enlund) Ladd, and an infant sister, Janet. Terry will be incredibly missed, but we all have the peace in knowing he is no longer in pain. We'd like to think he's scoping out heaven for a perfect stand with his dog Snoopy and hunting buddies by his side. Oh, and a big stash of miniature candy bars.
Terry's family would like to thank the staff at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin for the kind, compassionate care given to Terry throughout his many stays in the hospital. His final days were comfortable (and, yes, included ice cream and popsicles) thanks to you.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 11am - Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Palisade. Visitation will be 5 - 7pm Friday at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin and will continue 1 hour prior to the celebration at the church.
A meal, including some of Terry's favorite sweet treats will be served following the service. Internment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery following the lunch. Go to www.srtfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence.