Terry Donarski

Terry Donarski, 53, of Stephen, left this life unexpectedly on Monday, June 9, 2025, after a cardiac event in North Valley Health Center of Warren, MN: his family was with him til the end.

Terry was born on October 8, 1971, in Karlstad, MN, to R. Ronald and Linda (Frei) Donarski. Raised in Stephen alongside two older brothers and a younger sister, Terry was rough and tumble, using his sister as a punching bag and keeping the other boys on their toes. He was always good for a prank, though when he helped his dad with the trucks or his uncle in the fields he was all work... mostly. He had a natural disregard for schooling and rules which made leaving his education early (would-be class of 1990) an easy decision. While serving in the National Guard from 1990-1997 he became more disciplined as an excellent mechanic, an expert rifleman, and even as a student who earned his GED. In those years he developed a true love for the land, and while trucking was his job, farming was his passion. His favorite things to do were sit in the tractor, butt heads with his brother, Kevin, and watch the crops grow- sometimes all at once. He was married to Tami Hanson for a short time. Her daughters, Amber, Brittany, and Jordan, and son, Kris, were very special to Terry. Tami’s grandchildren were also very special to him.

He enjoyed the usuals: hunting, fishing, golfing, and listening to rock & roll. His favorite times were hunting with his friends while they drove and he shot; ice fishing, especially with his mom; golfing the best game of his life just last week; and blasting “Thunderkiss 65” in the tractor while eating his second lunch of the day.

It was said “You needed two good guys to keep up with Terry,” and he was a hard worker whose hands were always filthy from the fields or implements. Beneath this rough exterior was a man of great compassion, who will be deeply missed and is gone from us far too soon.

He is survived by his brothers, Kevin (Dawn) and Shawn (Kristi) Donarski; sister, Ronalin Steer; nieces and nephews: Samantha, Amanda, Tiffany, Lane, Austin, and Emily; uncle, Gale (Fanny) Frei; and aunts, Lori (Darwyn) Anderson, and Ellen Frei.

There to meet him in the next life are his folks, Ron (d. 03/11/2023) and Linda (d. 12/01/2024); Grandpa Vernon and Grandma Grace; Grandpa Walter and Grandma Fran; and his uncles, "Big Al" Frei, and AJ Donarski.

In lieu of sending thank you cards, Terry's family will be making donations around town to the places and organizations that Terry loved best.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, June 14. 2025, at 10:00 AM, in First Lutheran Church of Stephen, MN.
VISITATION: One hour before services in the church.
INTERMENT: Salem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Stephen, MN
LUNCHEON: Served in the Stephen American Legion Hall following.

To watch a video of Terry's funeral service, please click the link: Terry Donarski Funeral Service