Rev. Terry L. Brandenburg

Rev. Terry L. Brandenburg

November 17, 1948 – March 23, 2024

VISITATION: Tuesday, April 2nd, 5 to 7 p.m., at West Center Chapel.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, April 3rd, 11 a.m., at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 11615 I St.

Memorials are kindly suggested to Grace Hill Lutheran Church, Concordia Lutheran Junior and Senior High School or Reaching the Unreached – India.

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Terry Lynn Brandenburg was received into the loving arms of Jesus, his Good Shepherd, on March 23, 2024, at the age of 75. Terry was born on November 17, 1948, in Seward, Nebraska. He was the oldest of three children born to Lemuel J. (Buck) and Evelyn Brandenburg. He attended elementary school at Immanuel Lutheran School, Staplehurst, Nebraska. He was always grateful for growing up in that community. His pastor and teacher encouraged him to consider the ministry, but Terry dismissed the idea. He graduated from Seward High School in 1967. Terry enrolled at Concordia Teacher’s College, Seward, Nebraska. After a near-death experience playing a basketball game, he reconsidered God’s calling in his life. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, after which he completed his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Illinois, in 1976.

On May 28, 1972, Terry married Rachel Cloeter at St. John Lutheran in Seward, Nebraska. Over the years, he ministered in churches in Southern California and Minnesota. Terry had a passion for the development of mission congregations and served churches from their very beginnings in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. In Las Vegas, Nevada, God used this experience to move Mountain View Lutheran from their original site to a location seven miles northwest. This quickly growing congregation began with a preschool and added an elementary school growing to 350 students through grade 5. Terry also served on the Board of Education for Faith Lutheran Junior and Senior High School, helping it relocate to Summerlin, where it has experienced tremendous growth. In most congregations, Rachel served in some capacity in the ministry alongside him. In 2010, he returned to Nebraska, where he retired from ministry, after serving as Senior Pastor at Peace Lutheran in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Terry had a heart for reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved developing ministries, discipling people, teaching Bible Study and just loving the people God placed in his charge.

He was a sports lover, playing football, basketball and baseball through high school, baseball and football in college. Terry enjoyed sports his entire life, both as a participant and as a spectator. He was an avid Husker, Green Bay Packers and KC Chiefs fan He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their sporting events. In retirement, Terry and Rachel moved to Omaha to be nearer their children, grandchildren, and some of the siblings. They became active in the church, especially enjoying Bible studies and their small group. Terry enjoyed reading, playing games and cards, and participating in anything the grandkids were doing.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel; daughter, Jennifer (Brad) Kreikemeier; grandchildren: Kylie Kloster, Katie Kloster, Colton Kloster, Daxton Kreikemeier, Isabella Brandenburg; Isabella’s father, Brett Hoefert; sister, Susan (Rev. Doug) Zurek; sister-in-law, Melanie Brandenburg; brothers-in-law, Rev. Dan (Marji) Cloeter, Rev. David (Lisa) Cloeter; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bethany; brother, Steve; parents; and in-laws.