Obituary for Terrance "Terry" Calkins

Terrance “Terry” Calkins passed away on Saturday, February 26th in Edina, Minnesota at the age of 57, after a hard-fought and brave battle with ALS. Terry was born in Valley City, ND to Anna and the late Dean Calkins on July 10th, 1964. He grew up causing chaos on the farm and always kept his family on their toes. He was always active, playing basketball, football, and running track in high school. After graduating from North Central High School, he went to Valley City State University where he ran track and graduated with a degree in business administration. Even though he was a runner, his true love was basketball. After graduating, he worked a few jobs before settling in to his true passion of construction, carpentry, and woodworking. For more than 11 years, he owned his own carpentry company, and his work can be seen throughout the Osseo and Maple Grove communities.

In his free time, Terry loved to work on his many projects, such as plant stands for the house, wooden clocks, and side tables. He also loved to show off his skills behind the grill or meat smoker, and many summer evenings were spent in the backyard with close friends enjoying whatever he cooked up. Most of those nights were capped off with a big bowl of ice cream, of course. Terry also had a passion for sports and knew just about everything happening in the sports world. He shared his passion for sports with his two girls, Erika and Courtney, and was able to coach both of their basketball teams. Once he hung up his whistle, he enjoyed pacing the sidelines while he watched his two daughters play softball and basketball, and then start coaching careers of their own. Terry's biggest passion in life was the time he spent with his wife Michelle. Together they built a beautiful home, which Terry was continuously making updates to. They were able to enjoy many trips to Hawaii and to other parts of the country – many times making detours for various sporting events and college campuses.

Terry will be remembered for his passion in life, his humor, and his love of food. He was always available to help out others and to endlessly tease anyone in earshot. Because of his impact on the lives of many, Terry will be greatly missed.

Terry is preceded in death by his father, Dean Calkins. Terry is survived by his mother, Anna Calkins; loving wife, Michelle; children, Erika and Courtney; brothers, Neal (Mary Jo) and Tom (Lanette) Calkins; sister, Mary (Dane) Kreidelcamp, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Celebration of life for Terry will be held at Elm Creek Community Church (9717 Revere Ln N. Maple Grove, MN 55369) on Thursday, March 10th, 2022, family gathering at 10:00 AM and memorial service at 11:00 AM. Social gathering and lunch to follow the service at Osseo American Legion (260 4th Ave SE, Osseo, MN 55369). For those attending, the family has requested that you come in your favorite sports apparel or something blue for Terry’s favorite color. MN Vikings if possible, but no Packers allowed!

In remembrance of Terry’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Osseo Maple Grove Basketball Association. There will be a scholarship fund in Terry’s name to assist players financially. Please mail donations to OMGBA at PO Box 1764 Maple Grove, MN 55311 and make a note that the donation is for Terry’s scholarship.