- Date Of Birth: February 14, 1949
- Date Of Death: February 16, 2018
- State: Indiana
Terry Edward Branstrom, age 69, of Hammond, passed away on February 16, 2018, at his home with his family by his side following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Terry was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois on February 14, 1949, where he lived the first few years of his life. His family also lived in Salt Lake City, Utah before moving to Highland, IN when Terry was 16. He graduated from Highland High School in 1967. Terry attended Indiana State University for two years until being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division, rising to the rank of Specialist 5th class. Following his honorable discharge,
Terry returned to Highland and began his career in the refractory business at various steel mills in the area. He also worked for a number of years in the St Louis and Houston areas. In 1988 Terry returned to Hammond with his two sons, whom he raised on his own from the time they were toddlers. Terry was an avid bowler in his youth, sometimes bowling in as many as 3 separate leagues at Plaza Lanes.
He was also an avid supporter of the Chicago Cubs and was extremely delighted at their World Series win in 2016. He looked forward each year to watching the college basketball tournament. Terry loved spending time in his gardens and was known in the neighborhood for his green thumb and could often be found giving gardening advice to neighbors. He enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre and 500. Terry coached the Hammond All-Stars ages 13-15 baseball team, leading them to state championships in 1993 and 1995. He was especially proud of the time he spent with the members of that team.
Terry served as President of Hammond Babe Ruth for a few years. He was a past member of the Gavit High School Booster Club, serving as its president for two years. Terry, along with his long-time companion, Linda Connolly, ran the concession stand at Gavit High/Middle School for ten years.
Terry is survived by his long-time companion, Linda Connolly; two wonderful sons, Mark (Angie) Branstrom of Macon, Georgia, and Rick (Kate Scheffel) Branstrom of Hammond; two loving grandchildren, Jaidyn Brown and Tristan Branstrom; one sister, Wendie (Darryl) McKnelly of Seligman, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lura (Lungren) Branstrom, and his half brother, George Branstrom, Jr. Terry will forever be in our hearts and memories.
