Terry Arthur Klingel </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 8:27 PM on Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Terry Arthur Klingel

Longtime Alaska resident, Mr. Terry Arthur Klingel, 83, died Sunday, April 5, 2009, at Long Term Care, South Peninsula Hospital in Homer where he had been a resident for 32 months.

Respecting Terry's wishes, there will be no public service. A private family gathering was held.

Terry was born Nov. 14, 1925, in Great Falls, Mont., to Arthur Ames Klingel and DorisTerry Kingel. He spent his growing up years in Niehart, Mont., and Parkers Prairie, Minn. At age 19, he entered the Army. He was badly wounded in action in Europe during World War II and spent the next two years at Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Mich., recuperating from surgeries.

Terry Arthur Klingel

Terry graduated from the University of Southern California and received his master's degree from Stanford University. He always felt that education was a lifelong process and passed on this love of learning to his family. He was an avid reader of non-fiction which enhanced his knowledge of history. He believed in exposing his children to enriching experiences and to always act with conscience. He inspired learning and discovery. Terry stressed personal responsibility and not to fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. He was an ethical man of strong principles and integrity. He felt that facing life's challenges is a part of your life and you gain strength through adversity.

Since 1949, Terry chose Alaska as his home for its beauty and opportunities, first teaching in Fairbanks and later in Anchorage while commercial fishing and prospecting during summers. He later sold homes with Marston Real Estate which led into homebuilding and land development.

Terry retired to Homer in 1988 and spent the years that followed enjoying the outdoors he loved and being on the water. He traveled with his family to many exciting places in the world and never liked being tied down to an itinerary but instead chose to "play it by ear," which always added exciting memories and experiences to trips.

Terry was a past president of Homer Men's Igloo 32 of the Pioneers of Alaska. He served on the Board of the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust as he believed in the importance of preserving special lands for future generations. Terry enjoyed playing bridge at the Homer Senior Center and treasured the friends he met there.

Terry was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth.

Terry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Eleanor; son, Larsen; daughter and son-in-law, Nadya and Mel Strydom; and twin grandsons, Willem and Wynand, all of Homer; brother-in-law, Dr. Lawrence Smith and his wife Barbara and their four children, spouses, and families.

Terry felt blessed to have his family here in Homer and being able to watch his grandsons grow.

Terry appreciated the lasting legacy museums provide and their importance to the community. Those wishing to make a contribution in his memory, please send them to The Patrons of the Pratt Society (POPS) P.O. Box 2305 Homer, Alaska 99603.

Arrangements were by Homer Funeral Home.