Terrence Charles Silverberg was born May 3, 1950 to Grace and Friedolf Silverberg in Ramsey, MN. Terry was called home by the Heavenly Father on April 15, 2025; 18 days short of his 75th birthday.

To know Terry was to know love in action-- love for his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; his love, partner, and wife of 45 years, Jennie; and the life he built with purpose and joy. Each day he would spend time with the Lord and never miss an opportunity to say “I love you” to Jennie. Yes, he loved to tease her, but he also loved to dance with her any chance he had, even if it was just in the kitchen serenading her with love songs. If you were lucky enough to spend time around them you could never doubt the love and admiration they had for one another through their actions, words, and shared joy. Their love is rare and was a living example of devotion – a marriage grounded in faith and overflowing with affection.

Terry was a proud and loving father to four children-- Karley, Kaleb, Kenzie, and Keyana. He delighted in sharing his passions with them: his faith in Jesus, his love for the open water, classical music and operas (oh, and Meatloaf too), his love for this country, downhill and water skiing, sports cars, and how to make a perfectly toasted golden-brown s’more over a campfire. He was just as eager to learn about the things his kids loved. Whether it be cheering at swim meets, learning about dogs or princesses, cheering for the cheerleaders, or being a star during many father-daughter dance recitals, Terry did it all with a joyful heart. As the kids grew into adults, Terry’s role naturally evolved into that of a wise counselor and trusted advisor. His greatest hope was that his children would love the Lord, cherish their families, and live with the same faith, generosity, and sense of purpose that he strived to model. Through his steady love and consistent example, that hope lives on. He often shared that his greatest joy came from seeing the faith his children and their spouses now live out, and the love they’re nurturing in their own families. To Terry and Jennie, that was the true measure of success.

Terry and Jennie’s legacy continues to grow through their (soon to be) ten grandchildren. Known affectionately as Grandpa Toto, he is loved deeply by each one. Whether teaching them his signature dance moves, playing the ‘shark’ while swimming in the lake, going for rides in his car, beating them at Wii games, cheering them on at all their activities and concerts, or making up silly games, he was the apple of their eye. His grandchildren adored him, and he soaked up every bit of their love, especially when they teased him right back.

Terry proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy on the USS James Monroe, a nuclear submarine, from July 26,1972 until he was honorably discharged on July 28, 1978.After serving his country, Terry started a career with Northern States Power (NSP) in Monticello. He would go on to work in Eau Claire, Minneapolis, and Red Wing where he spent the majority of his career at Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, until he retired in 2007.

After raising their family in Red Wing, and attending First Covenant Church in Red Wing, Minnesota, Terry and Jennie retired and moved to Cumberland, Wisconsin. They built their dream log home on Beaver Dam Lake. They became members of the United Covenant Church in Clear Lake, Wisconsin where Terry served on the leadership board. In addition to their local service, Terry and Jennie have been involved with combating human trafficking through the Free Initiative with the Covenant Church and the International Justice Mission (IJM).

Spending time with Terry meant laughing often and picking up on the little sayings and quirks that made him unmistakably him. He had a way of sneaking wisdom into everyday moments — like his often repeated line to his children: “Live below your means and know the magic of compound interest.” He was also the faithful prayer of the family, always closing with a twinkle in his eye and a playful, “And please make Granny a good Granny.” Without fail, the grandkids would shout back in chorus, “SHE ALREADY IS A GOOD GRANNY!” It became a cherished family tradition, one that captured both his humor and his heart. Terry lived by his humor and his faith. Through life’s triumphs and trials he always prayed that it all be for the Glory of God.

Terry lived a life marked by faith, joy, wisdom, fast cars, and unwavering love for his family. He made life richer for those who knew him — whether through his deep conversations, his cheesy jokes, or the unmistakable joy he felt simply being with the people he loved most. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy, faith, and love lives on through his family and friends.

Terry was greeted in Heaven by his mother and father, Grace and Friedolf; younger brother, Mark; and in-laws, Arlene and Willis Rux, and Bud Hasty.

He is survived by the love of his life, Jennie; his greatest blessings, Karley (Vince) Depatto, Jackson, Elin, and Lilia; Kaleb (Stacy) Silverberg, Aspen, Olive, and Banyan; Kenzie (Zach) Anderson, Sawyer, and Mack; Keyana (Sean) Richter, Kit, baby #2 due in May; his brother Jon (Linda) Silverberg; his sister-in-law Mary Silverberg; mother-in-law Donna Hasty; and many other family members.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21

A wake will be held on Tuesday, April 22 from 4-7 PM. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 23 at 11:30, a light lunch will follow. All services will be held at the United Covenant Church in Clear Lake, Wisconsin. (348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake, WI 54005)

A private burial at Fort Snelling with military honors will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, it was Terry’s wish that any monetary gifts made to the family be donated to IJM (International Justice Mission). Contributions can be made by cash or check, which will be collected and donated in Terry’s honor.

Last Update: Apr 21, 2025 1:13 pm CDT