Terry Mitchell

As family and friends will attest, Terry Mitchell truly understood the secret to a life well lived. A constant source of strength in any circumstance, he made the most of every moment and never took a single blessing for granted. Nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with loved ones. With his quick wit, Terry could put a smile on anyone’s face, and his zest for life was contagious to all who knew him. Dearly loved, he will be forever missed.

Born on March 19, 1943, in Missouri, Terry entered the world during one of the most challenging times in history, as WWII raged overseas. His parents, Anzeweary Mitchell and Mildred (Burch) Mitchell, awaited his arrival with hope and joy. Terry grew up alongside his sisters, Donna and Francis. When he was 10, the family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where his father worked for the Kalamazoo Paper Company and his mother cared for the children and home. Later they settled in Galesburg. Terry attended Galesburg-Augusta schools and was an exceptional athlete.

Terry was part of the legendary Coach Maskill era of football that began at Galesburg-Augusta in 1957. Playing both running back and defensive back, he and his teammates made history in 1959 by earning a perfect 8–0 season and delivering the Rams their first KVA title under Coach Maskill.

Alongside football, Terry was also a superior athlete in track and field. He excelled in middle-distance running, posting a remarkable time of 2:03 in the 880-yard dash—a performance considered excellent even by today’s standards.

He graduated with the class of 1961, eager to see what the future held in store. Terry went on to attend Western Michigan University, beginning his studies in Psychology. In the changing times of the 1960s, and eager to build a life, he decided to join the workforce.

Not long after, Terry married Carole TenBrink. Together they welcomed 3 daughters, Terra, Cara, and Nicole. Their joy was tempered by heartbreak when their daughter Terra passed away from cancer at the age of 2. Although Terry and Carole later divorced, he remained grateful for the family they built together.

In time, Terry found his forever lasting love with Joyce Ennis. Childhood classmates since fifth grade, they reconnected later in life and were married on October 16, 1971, at Galesburg Congregational Church. With this union, Terry embraced Joyce’s son, Steven, and together they also welcomed a daughter, Angie. Terry thrived as a father—tough but fair—and encouraged his children to pursue their dreams with determination.

Family was the center of Terry’s world. He was especially proud of his grandchildren—Michael, Ava, Gavin, Mikenna, Alexander, Maximus, Mackenzie, and Madison—whom he loved to tease with riddles and brag about at every opportunity. He loved teaching them how to use different types of tools and often turned math problems into riddles to stretch their minds. Terry delighted in creating obstacle courses in the backyard for the kids to solve, turning every visit into an adventure. He taught his grandchildren how to paint and hosted rock-painting nights that filled the house with color and laughter. He also loved taking them to the Augusta library, encouraging their love of reading and discovery. Terry cherished each role he held as husband, father, and grandfather.

Terry built a successful career for himself, beginning with work at Fisher Body in Kalamazoo, MI. From there, he moved into sales, where his quick thinking, resourcefulness, and exceptional problem-solving skills made him a natural. At Migala Carpet, he achieved recognition in the Million Dollar Club as he headed their new construction sales division. His sharp mathematical mind became one of his greatest tools in business—helping him quickly analyze problems, calculate solutions, and earn the trust of his customers. His strong work ethic ensured he provided for his family, and he continued doing good and honest work until his retirement in 2008.

In retirement, Terry discovered a passion for painting, creating landscapes and abstract works. Never one to stop joking around, he created his painting name “Bobwicke and Oliver,” a playful reflection of his sense of humor. He and Joyce also enjoyed occasional trips to the riverboat casinos down south, though their happiest moments were often spent at home with family. Never one to sit idle, he and Joyce also looked forward to game nights with friends.

Terry was a skilled handyman, a voracious reader, and a lover of puzzles and brain teasers. True to his adventurous streak, Terry took the reins as a sulky driver (Harness Racing) for several years, racing in events at the historic Jackson Harness Raceway in Jackson, Michigan, and at the Kalamazoo County race track. He enjoyed watching Game of Thrones, working through jigsaw puzzles, and relaxing in later years with his favorite glass of Crown Royal Reserve whisky, served neat. His curiosity, creativity, and sharp wit never faded.

As we reflect on Terry’s life, we celebrate a man who lived with generosity, encouragement, humor, and unconditional love. His laughter, dad jokes, and warmth brightened every room, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, honesty, and treasured memories. He and Joyce were the best of friends and enjoyed countless wonderful moments together over the years.

Terry Mitchell, age 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children: Cara Cook, Nicole (Kevin) Mackinder, Steven (Pat Narkun) Hawkins, and Angie (Steve) Wurtzel; grandchildren: Michael Askew, Ava Cook, Gavin Mackinder, Mikenna Mackinder, Alexander, Maximus, Mackenzie, and Madison Wurtzel. He was preceded in death by his daughter Terra, and his sisters Francis and Donna Bowen.

Celebrate Terry's life online by sharing favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.