Terry Norlan Arends

Terry Norlan Arends, 68 of Eyota, MN passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on Friday, August 16, 2024, after battling cancer for over two years.

Terry was born in Preston, MN on September 19, 1955, to Ranard and Elaine (Becker) Arends. His family moved to Dover, MN, where he attended Dover Elementary School and graduated from Dover Eyota High School in 1974. On June 26, 1976, he married Lynn Daniels. They made their home in Waterville, MN, where Terry worked at Great Plains Lumber for his uncle Chuck until 1983. Later that year, he was hired as a mail carrier for the Rochester USPS. Terry was devoted to the families on his route and enjoyed getting to know them. After 39 years, he retired from the postal service and worked part-time as a shuttle driver for Rochester Motor Cars until his health began to decline.

Terry was a private man but would always lend a helping hand and try to fix just about anything. He helped his sons with many projects, teaching them along the way and earning the nickname Shadetree. Terry loved tinkering with his boat, spending time with family, and watching old westerns and John Wayne movies. He enjoyed fishing and spent many years making memories during trips in northern Minnesota with his postal service buddies and family.

Terry loved his whole family, especially his favorite people who called him Grandpa: Leighten, Karter, Shay, Hadley, and Kennedy. He leaves behind his wife Lynn and sons Tim (Sarah and daughter Addison) and Seth (Heather); sisters Dawn Brewington, Sandy Arends, Jayne (Jeff) Wetzstein, Pam (Joe) Louks, Rhonda (Bob) Jean; and in-laws LuAn Daniels, Lee (Jan) Daniels, Lisha Hindt, goddaughter Karly (Leo) Hindt, Layne Daniels, Liane (Rod) Hammel, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his uncle Steven (Diane) Arends, aunt, Kathy Dorenkemper, and many cousins.

Welcoming him to heaven are his parents, grandparents, father-in-law Larry Daniels, nephew Jesse Brewington, fur buddy Cooper, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Faith United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28 with visitation to take place beforehand beginning at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Dover following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Seasons Hospice and Mayo Clinic for the kindness, support, and care provided to Terry during his illness.

Schad & Zabel Funeral Home in Eyota is assisting with the arrangements.