Patrick Kevin Terry

Patrick Kevin Terry, born October 20, 1948 in Evanston, Illinois to Mary Louise Terry (known as “Billie”) and Robert J. Terry, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026 in Jefferson, Wisconsin.

From his earliest days, Pat had a remarkable tenacity for life. He was born 2 ½ months premature, weighed only 2 lbs. and while under the age of 5, also recovered from Rheumatic Fever. He went on to play football in high school; he attended Libertyville High School in Illinois and played both halfback and quarterback positions. Pat was smaller than his older (by 10 months) brother, Mark, but his tenacity, intelligence and speed made up for size — he also excelled at running Track. During his high school years, he spent time building his body with weight lifting and at the same time became an excellent billiards player. He always surprised his four siblings by getting “A” and “B” grades, seemingly without studying. Pat attended Southern Illinois University as a History major (3 years) and then moved on to a “working” life and the U.S. military.

Pat came from a family of seven — three brothers: Mark Terry (deceased), Bob Terry, Jr. (deceased), Brian Terry (deceased) and one sister, Joan Terry (living in Massachusetts). Both of his parents are also deceased. He is survived by his son, Michael Terry and nieces and nephews— Jenny Goldberg, Carin Mahkovtz, Stephanie Terry, Lindsay Terry, Bob Terry, Chris Terry, and Ian Manning.

Preterm birth, especially extreme cases as in 2 ½ months, have been scientifically associated with psychiatric disorders (NIH, National Library of Medicine). When Pat was in his twenties, he began to suffer from a “psychiatric disorder”; the challenges of his premature birth caught up with him and were having an effect that he would have to deal with the rest of his life. I, Joan (sister), bring this up because this illness defined so much of the story of his life — the difficult times as well as the strength, fortitude and kindness that grew in him.

His tenacity, intelligence, goodness and ability to “endure” both physical and psychological pain have been an example to myself and others — especially those who can look beyond the surface and begin to understand the depths inside and under the “book cover”. Despite really difficult times, Pat always decided to live. He directed his “focus” each and every day, and for at least 30 years, he sat down to draw and write every day. These acts were a part of the very purposeful structure that he created for himself and at the same time it was a way for him to stay connected with others. Pat never complained; he actually went out of his way to avoid being a burden to anyone. He was kind and good to others. He believed in a strong connection with a Supreme Being. He was Catholic and even though he could not drive, he got himself to Mass on Sundays as often as possible. In the last few years, his friend, Craig, helped him get there.

Pat is and was a man of substance, strength, intelligence, perseverance, kindness, someone who was aware of human frailties, not by studying them or through observation, but through his own experience. And he believed in doing no harm. He was so much more than the man or patient who dealt with multiple illnesses. He was a pretty darn amazing human being.

He was/is loved very much and will be missed. And I wish/believe that he is now having the most amazingly free and wonder-filled experience. Big hugs to you, Pat.

There will be a service for Pat at Derrick Funeral Home in Lake Geneva on October 16 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10:00am at Derrick Funeral Home.

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting the Terry Family.