Retired USAF Technical Sergeant Terrance M Massingale

Retired USAF Technical Sergeant Terrance Michael Massingale, age 62 of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, September 18th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. He fought hard to live every day to the fullest, despite battling military service-connected pancreatic cancer. Terry would start each day by saying, “Not today, Cancer!”. Terry often said when it’s his time to go, he would take cancer with him and ultimately win the final battle. He will always be our Hero!

Terrance Michael Massingale was born on July 28, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to parents, Clifton Sr. and Constance “Connie” Massingale. He attended James Madison High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force at the age of 17.

One week after graduating high school, Terry arrived at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for basic training. His first assignment was Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Terry would spend the next 10 years in AGE, including three years at RAF Upper Heyford Air Base in England.

In addition to his military career, Terry was very proud to attend college in the evening to pursue a Paralegal Degree. He made the Dean’s list each semester and graduated Magna Cum Laude with numerous outstanding achievement awards. His military education also included The NCO Leadership School and The NCO academy.

While stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, Terry spent the last six years of his career as a Professional Military Education (PME) Instructor. He was honored and grateful for the opportunity to be a leader, mentor, and role model to thousands of troops he instructed. He especially liked “having a positive influence on how his students viewed the military, and showing them the proper way to wear and respect the uniform”. Terry proudly retired from the Air Force earning many medals, ribbons, and awards, including The Meritorious Service Medal, The Commendation Medal, The Achievement Medal, and The Longevity Service Award.

Terry served in the following:

57th Wing – Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

28th Maintenance Group (MMS) – Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota

20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron - RAF Upper Heyford, England

Terry also served in support of Operation Desert Shield & Desert Storm from 1990 to 1994.

After retiring from the United States Air Force, he continued to build a career, serving others as a Paralegal, Child Support Officer for Marathon County, Wi, and a Veteran Service Officer for the State of Minnesota.

Terry was a current member of The American Legion Post 102 in Anoka, and a previous member of The American Legion Post 566 in Lino Lakes. He volunteered in many roles at the posts including the Toys for Tots program and actively participating in the American Legion Color Guard, His favorite duty was proudly marching in parades.

A huge part of Terry’s life was being a good neighbor and community service leader. Terry was well known and liked by many. He enjoyed participating in neighborhood parties, such as Night to Unite and hosting the annual Fall gatherings. Another highlight was decorating the yard with a huge Halloween display for all the neighborhood children (and adults) to enjoy. Terry also shared his time with church, schools, and civic programs as well. He volunteered for elections, teaching preschool children at church, serving meals on holidays and more.

In 2008 he married the love of his life Shelly, and instantly became a dad to two beautiful daughters. He was very proud of his family.

Terry enjoyed spending every minute of every day with his beautiful wife Shelly, often calling her his “pride and joy”. Rarely did they spend time apart. Even during many hospitalizations, they never left each other’s side.

Terry wants everyone to remember that the key to a healthy and happy marriage is “to be open and honest with each other, don’t be afraid to laugh and cry with each other, to share everyday experiences together, and cherish your time together”.

In 2013 Terry’s heart melted again when Grandson Jaxon was born. They developed an undeniable bond sharing interest in camping, Legos, Halloween decorations, playing games, and other outdoor activities. Jaxon lovingly referred to Terry as “Grandpa Ducky”.

Terry found great joy traveling with his wife, Shelly. They enjoyed camping, road trips, and visiting friends and family. His favorite destinations were State and National Parks, historical sites, and Military bases. His other favorites include his dogs, his music, The Green Bay Packers, detailing his Ram Truck, and bringing smiles to others.

Terry was truly an amazing man, devoted husband, and loving friend to all. His smile was contagious and so was his laughter. He had a gentle personality, comforting voice and a great will to live life to the fullest. He was a stealth fighter against cancer, he fought quietly and endlessly. He was more than just a “trooper”, he was an inspiration to us all. Terry was also a sensitive and selfless man full of life, who loved deeply. He was truly a hero to us all.

Terry’s message to everyone can be found in the poem “The Man in the Glass” by Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr. In short, “be true to yourself.”

Terry was preceded in death by his Parents Clifton Massingale Sr. and Constance “Connie” Massingale along with Father-in-law William “Bill” Egger.

Survived by his loving wife Shelly, daughters Emily Johnson and Katie (Brooks) Baumann, Grandson Jaxon Baumann, and Mother-in-law Loretta Egger, affectionally called “Mom”. Siblings: Bryan Massingale, Clifton Jr. (Robin) Massingale, Toni Massingale, and Danita Massingale. Siblings by marriage: Jim VanKempen, John (Cindy) VanKempen, Tom (Pam) VanKempen, David (Rochelle) VanKempen, Jan (Terry) Setterquist, Bill (Cindy) Egger, and Ben (Stephanie) Egger. He is further survived by his Loving Aunt Retta and Uncle Donald, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins. His extended family included his friends, neighbors, and faithful companion, Beamer!

The family is very thankful for his devoted team at Regions Hospital Cancer Care Center, who provided excellent care and VIT (Very Important Terry) Service.

Celebration of Life Service:

Saturday October 8th 2022 at Gearhart Funeral Home (11275 Foley Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids MN 55448)

Visitation and Service 12:00 – 2:30 PM

5:00pm Please join us at the VFW, Coon Rapids for a short military honors program and dinner.

Military Honors Service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery:

Thursday October 27th 2022

11:00 Meet at Gearhart Funeral Home (11275 Foley Blvd. NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448) to Lineup for processional to cemetery.