Terrill Roger Premus

“Only a life lived in service to others is worth living.” – Albert Einstein

Terrill Roger “Terry” Premus, 87, of Mission, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2025, surrounded by the love of his wife, Robin Lorraine, and daughter, Nicole Helene.

Born on May 11, 1938, in Clark, South Dakota, to Berdean Marion Kruger and Marvin Premus, Terry lived a life marked by faith, family, hard work, and service to others. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. To all who knew him, he will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, and compassionate heart.

Terry grew up in Watertown, South Dakota and remembered listening to the fireside chats on the radio during World War II. He graduated from Fort Pierre High School. A gifted athlete, he excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and track. Offered a college football scholarship, Terry made the choice to come home to work to support his mother and younger brothers after a tragic accident left his stepfather unable to provide—a decision that reflected his lifelong selflessness. He helped build the fourth largest man-made reservoir in the United States-Oahe Dam.

On August 9, 1967, Terry married the love of his life, Robin Lorraine Palmer, beginning a partnership of 58 years rooted in faith and devotion. Together they raised two daughters, Pamela Kay and Nicole Helene.

Terry embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly—building snow forts, teaching basketball in the driveway, playing endless board games, and proudly cheering on his daughters in band, choir, theater, dance, and sports. He carried this same joy into the lives of his grandchildren and nieces and nephews, always ready with a smile, a story, or a horsey-back ride.

Education and service were central to Terry’s calling. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army (1961–1963), he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Masters in School Administration from Northern State University. He earned a Specialist Degree in School Administration from the University of Wyoming-Laramie. He went on to teach math, coach athletics, and later serve as a principal and superintendent in South Dakota and Iowa. His career also included managing the Sooper Dooper Market in Winner, South Dakota, where he mentored countless employees—many of whom credited him for guidance that shaped their futures. It was not uncommon for high school employees to bring their prom dates by the house.

Terry’s work ethic was unmatched. From his first job as a paperboy at age 10 to his retirement at 68, he embodied perseverance. His later years included teaching, construction, school bus driving, working with the Texas Workforce Commission, driving dialysis patients to their appointments, and serving as an Immigration and Naturalization Officer. Above all, his proudest role in retirement was babysitting his granddaughter Anastasia.

Terry’s faith was the foundation of his life. He served as an Elder at Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church in Harlingen and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mission, singing joyfully in both choirs. He volunteered in the Sharyland High School Library, advocated as a CASA volunteer, drove a van for Valley Baptist Hospital, and gave his time generously to his community.

He also had a deep love of sports and travel. A lifelong fan of football, baseball, and golf, Terry golfed on courses across the U.S., Mexico, and Hawaii. Terry and Robin were members of the Winner Municipal Golf Course and faithfully followed their favorite PGA players, even going to tournaments in Hawaii. He enjoyed family vacations to Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, the Rocky Mountains, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Las Vegas, and international travel to Europe, Jamaica, and Mexico. His favorite place in the world was the Hawaiian Islands. Terry and Robin visited all the islands multiple times and even took their family on two trips. The loving couple celebrated their 50th anniversary with a traditional Hawaiian vow renewal on Maui with their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

Terry is survived by his devoted wife, Robin; daughter, Nicole (Paul) Cruz; grandchildren, Veronica (Adam) Huckfeldt, Seth Haug, Rachel (Dustin) Kraske, and Anastasia Cosette Cruz; and great-grandchildren, Emmalynn, Isabella, and Isaiah Huckfeldt, and Delanie and Daphnie Kraske. He is also remembered with love by his sister-in-law Vicki Thronson, many nieces and nephews, and good neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Pamela Kay Haug; brother Gary Premus; stepbrother Wally Widlund; sister-in-law Jean Premus; brothers-in-law Bill Palmer, Jim Thronson, and Brent Palmer; and lifelong best friend Bill Fischer.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Robin, who lovingly cared for Terry through years of health challenges; ComForCare Home Care; Gentiva Hospice; and Paul, Nicole, and Anastasia, who surrounded him with love and care.

Terry loved stories—whether watching classic westerns, war films, or inspiring movies like Remember the Titans and Apollo 13—and believed in the power of perseverance, teamwork, and faith. His story is one of love, resilience, and service, and his legacy will live on in every life he touched.

Terry will be laid to rest at the Rio Grande Valley Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Mission on Saturday, October 11th, at 11 am.

Services are under the guidance of Heavenly Grace Funeral Home & Crematory and Heavenly Grace Memorial Park. A Dignity Memorial provider. Services are under the direction of Daniel Roberto Gomez and Julissa Maldonado, FD.