On Thursday, December 26, 2024, surrounded by the love and support of his family, Terry A.
Parks was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born in DeFuniak Springs, FL on November 18, 1944, Terry was the son of the late Clyde F.
and Mamie J. Parks. As a member of a military family, Terry’s childhood was marked by
frequent moves, taking him from Florida to Alaska before settling in South Dakota. He
graduated from Rapid City Central High School in Rapid City, SD and earned a Bachelor of Arts
in Education from the University of Sioux Falls.
Terry believed he received two vocational callings on his life from God – to serve as a teacher
and a pastor. He began his career teaching social studies and coaching debate in Albion, MI
before relocating to Sheboygan, WI where he continued in the same roles at Sheboygan North
High School. He served as the President of the Wisconsin Debate Coaches Association and
was honored as a Diamond Key Recipient by the National Forensic League (now the National
Speech & Debate Association). It was during this period that he began teaching Bible studies at
the Sheboygan eFree Church, where he first met his future bride, Susan (Sue) Pierce, and
where, on July 21, 1973, they exchanged vows. After sensing a call into ministry, Terry began
serving as Associate Pastor at the Sheboygan eFree Church while pursuing his studies at
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. In 1978, he was ordained and assumed the
role of Senior Pastor. With a genuine love for his congregation and a deep passion for nurturing
their faith, Terry dedicated himself to serving the church for fourteen years (1976–1990). Terry
then returned to teaching, this time at Sheboygan South High School, where he taught social
studies and history for the next 18 years. He also earned a Master of Arts in Education
Leadership from Marian University in 1992. He took a heartfelt interest in each student and was
dedicated to helping each one achieve their full potential. Throughout his working years, Terry
was a frequent speaker at schools, colleges, conferences, Bible camps and churches and also
participated in multiple mission trips, including to Mexico, Japan and Pakistan.
During retirement, Terry loved teaching adult Bible classes at the Sheboygan eFree Church.
Later, he had the joy of serving as the Continuing Care Coordinator at the Reinbold-Novak
Funeral Home. Terry enjoyed family gatherings, reading, walking – especially with his
sweetheart – and watching college sports. His well-worn Bible reflects his love for God's Word.
Terry is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Michelle (Andy) Kautzer of Sheboygan, WI, son
Andrew (Kristin) Parks of Minnetonka, MN, and seven grandchildren: Joshua, Caleb, Bethany,
and Drew Kautzer; and Elyse, Brielle, and Audrey Parks. He is also survived by brothers
Norman (Bonita) Parks and Larry Parks. He was preceded in death by his mother Mamie J.
Parks, father Clyde F. Parks, and sister Wanda Warner.
The memorial service for Terry will be conducted at the Sheboygan eFree Church at 1710 North
15th Street, Sheboygan, WI with Rev. Jon MacDonald officiating. Visitation of family and friends
will be held at the church from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, January 10th, and on Saturday,
January 11th, from 9:00 am until the service begins at 11:00 am. A livestream of the service will
be made available via the Sheboygan eFree Church YouTube channel
(https://www.youtube.com/@sheboyganefreechurch4580).
Terry’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and skilled professionals at
the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, whose
exceptional care and kindness supported Terry throughout his journey with pancreatic cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Terry’s name to the Sheboygan eFree
Church’s Love in Action, to Baby Care via P.O. Box 263, Kohler, WI 53044, and/or to Sharon S.
Richardson Community Hospice.
Terry's last request was to remind family and friends that he is more alive now than he has ever
been on earth. He desires that each family member, former student and colleague, church
member, and friend can be with him in heaven by personally putting their faith and trust in Jesus
Christ as their Lord and Savior through faith and by the marvelous grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-
9). He also reminded Sue, Michelle, and Andrew, "Let Him use you! I love you so much. I'll see
you in Heaven."
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