1932-2022
Terrence John Cotter, 89, died Dec. 17, 2021 at the Rehabilitation Center, Prescott. He was born June 28, 1932, a son of John E. and Lillian (Norris) Cotter. The family moved from One (Grange Hall), a community near Plum City, Wis. in 1935 to Prescott.
After graduation from high school at age 18, Terrence enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 31, 1950. On Aug. 1, he left for San Diego, Calif. For combat training. He arrived in Korea on Dec. 10, 1950 and was in combat until Dec. 20, 1951. He was a member of the Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Once his combat service ended, he trained FBI cadets in the use of firearms and was an American Embassy guard in Spain. He served in the Marine Corps until July 31, 1954. He attained the rank of sergeant.
In 1957, he married Jan Girgen of Hastings. They lived in California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Connecticut over the course of their marriage. In 1960, they went to Laos for 1-1/2 years to work for Medico, a humanitarian organization that provided health care to developing countries.
Terrence had a degree in history from UW-River Falls. His career was spent working in the Department of Defense as a contract administrator.
Terrence was known for his
love of the outdoors and was an avid bird watcher. When living in California and Connecticut, he learned seamanship skills and enjoyed his 33-foot sloop that he sailed in the Long Island Sound. He logged over 4,000 nautical miles.
In 1980, Terrence moved to Winter Springs, Fla., where he worked at the Naval Training Center. He retired in 1992. In 2000, he moved to Maplewood, Minn. To be close to family.
Terrence is survived by his daughter Kathleen, a sister Mary, and brothers Steve, Alan and John. A brother, Michael, died in 2020, and a sister, Jean, age 2, died in 1937. He is further survived by several special nephews and nieces, especially Jeanne, who made sure he had fun and adventure in the last years of his life!
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at the Ono Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Prescott Food Shelf, 911 Pearl St., P.O. Box 124, Prescott, WI 54021.
