January 2, 2024 – West Bend, WI – Terry Lee Kannass, 71, of West Bend, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.
Terry was born on July 27, 1953, in Hartford, WI. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a man whose life was shaped by his deep commitment to family, his country, and his love of the outdoors.
Terry proudly served on active duty in the United States Coast Guard from 1971 to 1975, followed by two years in the Coast Guard Reserves until 1977, when he was honorably discharged. His service to his country was an important part of his life, and he carried the values of duty, discipline, and honor with him throughout the years.
On May 28, 1994, Terry married his loving wife, Diane, and together they built a home filled with love and a strong foundation for their family. He leaves behind his wife of thirty years, and their children: Kelly Sajdak and her husband Dan, along with their children Anna, Grace, Jack, Nate, and Ben; and Mindy Pilecky and her husband Jeremy, along with their children Olivia and Lucy.
Terry had a special passion for fishing on Lake Winnebago, where he lived for twenty-five years. He could often be found on the water, casting his line and seeking the elusive walleye. His love for fishing was not just a hobby but a lifelong pursuit that brought him peace and joy. He cherished the time spent with family and friends on the lake, creating memories that will be treasured by all who spent time with him.
Terry also spent countless hours restoring his cherished 1964 candy apple red Corvette and his 1946 Chevy pickup truck, both of which reflected his love for craftsmanship and precision. These cars were a testament to his dedication and passion for restoring and preserving the past. In addition to his love for fishing and cars, Terry was highly skilled in landscaping, garage projects, and general craftsmanship. He had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything!
Terry will be deeply missed by all who knew him, including his mother, Helen Schreiber; his siblings; and his extended family and friends. He requested a private burial, and his family will honor that wish.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and physical, occupational and respiratory therapists at Aurora Medical Center Grafton for the exceptional care they provided. A special thank you to Dr. Renee Jahnke, Dr. Jeremy F. Siegrist, Dr. Theodore Gronske, and Dr. Timothy Goggins for their expertise and compassionate care.
Prayers of Committal will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Holy Angels Cemetery along with Military Honors.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence, please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com
