Terry Lynn Harper

Terry Lynn Harper

1952 – 2020

 

Terry Harper, 68, died on December 11, 2020 at Hospice House in Omaha following a brief illness.

He was raised in Scribner, NE, the son of Albert and Bethel (Lindsey) Harper.  He is a 1970 graduate of Scribner High School, and a 1974 graduate of Chadron State College, where he majored in business administration and minored in math.  He moved to Omaha in 1974 to work for Northwestern Bell, and subsequently US West and Qwest Communications.  Later, he worked for Wiese Research Associates/WRG, before retiring in 2019.

He married Jean Torkelson in 1979 at Hudson Lutheran Church in Hudson, SD.  Together they had one son, Aaron.

Terry was always active, and he had a wide range of interests.  He enjoyed playing and watching many sports, rooting most for Husker football, the Green Bay Packers, and the New York Yankees.  He would stop for any John Wayne movie he came across.  He enjoyed working on home improvement projects.  He loved his hometown of Scribner.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Millard.  And above all he was devoted to his family, especially doting on his granddaughter, Marion.

He was preceded in death by parents Albert and Bethel.  He leaves his wife of 41 years, Jean (Torkelson) Harper; his son and daughter-in-law, Aaron and Elaine (Robertson) Harper, Wheeling, WV; granddaughter, Marion Bethel Harper; two brothers and their wives, Wendell and Sharon Harper, Harlingen, TX and Richard and Kristin Harper, Omaha, NE; two sisters, Connie Gillis of Valley, NE and Roxanne Betts of Fremont, NE; sister-in-law, Nathalie Torkelson of Sioux Falls, SD; many nieces and nephews.

A private family visitation will be followed by burial at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Omaha, NE.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

 

13 Comments

  • Cathy Morrissey Posted December 12, 2020 10:42 am

    Was saddened to hear of Terry’s illness and passing. I’m so sorry for your loss and while words fall short of offering the comfort you need, just wanted to be one of countless others to say what a great person he was. I worked with Terry at WRA and his genuine kindness was on display every day. He will be missed by all who knew him and my thoughts are with the family he so cherished.

  • Hugh and Theresa Robertdon Posted December 13, 2020 8:59 am

    Our sympathy to the family….

  • Vicki Murphy Posted December 13, 2020 7:12 pm

    My sympathy to the family

  • Linda Pink Posted December 13, 2020 8:20 pm

    Very few will ever match Terry’s integrity, wisdom, politeness and decency. He was one of the good ones, through and through. I loved his humor and intelligence and getting to work with him at WRA was a blessing. Condolences, Linda Pink

  • Wendy Boukal Posted December 13, 2020 8:23 pm

    Jean, and Aaron,
    We are so saddened by the news of Terry’s passing. Please know that we are thinking of you and have many memories of how pleasant and kind he always was. Words can not properly express our absolute heart-felt sympathy.

  • Bob Lykke Posted December 13, 2020 8:34 pm

    Terry was a great neighbor who always had time to visit. He was proud of Chadron State and continued to follow them and his Huskers in sports. He was a devoted husband and father-a real gentleman. Jean, Aaron and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Janet Staszko Posted December 14, 2020 10:33 am

    Though it may be many years since I worked with him (NWB), I thought of him throughout the years. He was fun to work with, and his smile was genuine. My sincere condolences to his family.

  • Erin Rooks Posted December 14, 2020 9:50 pm

    My heart goes out to you all. Fondly known as “Aaron’s Dad,” I have very warm memories of talking with Terry throughout middle school and high school. He greeted me and others with such warmth and genuine interest. He was an amazing father, husband, and member of the community whose legacy lives on through those he touched and especially his son. Aaron is also an amazing husband, father and friend thanks to his loving parents. Sending love and care during this tough time.

  • Linnette Johnson Posted December 14, 2020 10:53 pm

    Jean, Aaron & family
    I am saddened to hear the news of Terry’s passing. Hospice care brings memories of Denny back as if yesterday tho it’s almost been 5yrs upcoming March. I am so sorry for your loss & words can never express the heartfelt sympathy and comfort needed at this time and times to come. Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers 🙏

  • Tom & Beth Dirks Posted December 16, 2020 6:19 pm

    Sorry to hear about your loss. He was always very friendly and a good neighbor. Please let us know if we can help in any way.

    • Anita Hall Posted December 20, 2020 9:10 am

      Jean, Gary and I were so sad to hear this news and our heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family. Terry was such a dedicated family man and he was so proud to show us pictures of Marion as she has his eyes. I looked forward to seeing him at work because he was always kind and friendly.

  • Anita Hall Posted December 19, 2020 6:02 pm

    Gary and I were so saddened to hear about Terry. He was such a joy to work with and I’ll always remember the pride he had in his family. He always pointed out how Marion had his eyes and couldn’t wait to show us any news about her. He definitely was such a decent man and his faith was important to him. I know this will be of comfort at this time.

  • Anita Hall Posted December 20, 2020 8:46 am

    Terry was such a great guy. Always the gentleman and kind. Of course Marion was the light of his life and he showed us pictures almost daily and remarked about her eyes. Jean, I know your faith will help you through this time and Gary and I send our heartfelt prayers for you and your family.

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