Terry Russell

Obituary

Terrance “Terry" James Russell, born September 27, 1939, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, with his beloved wife, Donna, by his side. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose intelligence, resourcefulness, humor, and love of family touched everyone who knew him.

Terry was born to Ben and Winifred "Donna" Russell and grew up in East St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended Cretin High School, where he played football, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in chemical engineering.

Terry and Donna met while working at St. John’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. They married at First Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and shared 64 years of marriage, building a life filled with adventures, laughter, and countless memories.

Terry built a long career as a chemical engineer, proudly spending much of it with 3M in St. Paul. In 1989, as part of a company relocation that brought several 3M divisions to Austin, Texas, Terry, Donna, and their two youngest children moved south. Terry continued his career with 3M in Austin. His career reflected the qualities that defined him: a brilliant mind, extraordinary problem-solving ability, and the determination to figure out how to accomplish just about anything.

If something needed to be done, Terry could usually figure out how. He approached life with curiosity, determination, and the confidence that there was always a way.

As a father and grandfather, Terry passed along his knowledge, skills, and love of adventure. He organized epic Boundary Waters canoe trips, carefully mapping routes and carrying canoes across portages from lake to lake. The family also enjoyed camping and fishing together. He taught his children and grandchildren to fish and fillet fish, ski, and skate, and helped them learn, practice, and play countless other sports. He was also an avid, talented golfer who especially enjoyed playing with friends, his sons, and grandchildren. He shared his skills and enthusiasm for trying new things, believed in doing things right the first time, and taught important lessons through his words and example.

Terry knew how to enjoy life. He loved beer, playing cards, telling stories, making jokes, and pulling pranks. His colorful way with words and distinctive humor made him unmistakably Terry. He was always ready to lend a hand to his children and grandchildren. To his family, he was a rock—someone they could count on and turn to. To his grandchildren, he was the world's greatest Papa, a title he cherished.

Terry's legacy lives on in the skills he taught, the adventures he led, the stories that will be told, and the family traditions carried on through generations. His family will remember his brilliant mind, capable hands, generous heart, quick wit, and the way he showed his love.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Donna Russell (née Zabel); his four children, Tim Russell (wife Kelly), Jim Russell, Allan Russell, and Amy Russell Gilmore (husband Christian); and six grandchildren, Emily Mirs (née Russell), Erin Russell, Liz Russell, Jeff Russell, Abby Russell, and Witten Gilmore.

He is also survived by his brothers, Mickey Russell (wife Gloria), Tom Russell (wife Debbie), and Tim Russell (wife Nancy), and his sister, Casey Russell.

Terry will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a memorial donation in Terry’s honor to the CEMS Alumni Scholarship at the University of Minnesota Foundation, supporting future students in chemical engineering and materials science.
https://z.umn.edu/cemsalumnischolarship

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