Terence “Terry” Samuel Smith

Terence Samuel Smith, 71, Cornell, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at his home, a deep shock to his family and community.

Terry was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, Aug. 8, 1953, to Ronald “Pete” and Myra Smith.

A true son of the north country, Terry inherited from his dad an avid interest in the outdoors and sports, and with his friend, Mike Gass, became an experienced muskie fisherman while still in grade school, also taking inspiration from his beloved fisherman uncle, Harris “Husky” Holman.

Terry’s many interests included Scouting and team sports in school, but above all, he threw himself into the music he loved and, learning a few chords from his older brother, Thomas, became a spectacular rock guitarist.

His niece Nicole Bjerke remembers, “Finding a good deal on a guitar or piece of equipment gave him a good thrill, and no doubt, filled many hours of his days (we can thank his mother for the bargain hunting gene).”

As a working musician, Terry was never without a band. Some of the memorable units for which he served as lead guitarist and singer, were Isaac Dirt, Twist, Sadie Brown, Mike and the Motorboats, and later, a country-flavored trio with Dixie Duffey and Dan Hendrickson. He also was a talented songwriter and his CD songs from Stacker Valley preserves vivid scenes from his life in Cornell.

As with many musicians, Terry’s real passion was music and to support his passion he worked in sales for many years, for various real estate brokers and boat sales companies, the last of which was Zacho’s in Eau Claire. He sometimes moonlighted as a knowledgeable muskie fishing guide on the Chippewa Flowage.

Terry is remembered as a beloved uncle to his nieces, Nicole Bjerke and Rachelle Jacobs, and his nephews, Jeremy Smith, who he encouraged in skiing and bike racing, and Dyllan Smith, who became his guitar protégé. Nicole notes a “recent tradition” he started with his great-nephew, Brecken, and great-niece, Ingrid, of collecting half and silver dollars for them.

An extreme health crisis in 2014, took a serious toll on Terry’s long-term physical well-being, but defying the odds, he lived through it all and kept giving generously to his community, through his music and his long service on the Cornell City Council, where he took special pride in his contributions to the Cornell Community Fair Committee and the canoe/kayak Floatilla.

He is survived by two brothers – Thomas (Krista Spieler) Smith, River Falls, Timothy (Sue) Smith, Cornell, and Michelle Swenson (Mark), Chippewa Falls; two nephews – Jeremy Smith, Osceola, Ind., and Dyllan Smith, Alma; two nieces – Nicole Bjerke, Chippewa Falls, and Rachelle (Alex) Jacobs, Westminster, Colo.; a great-niece – Ingrid Bjerke; great-nephew – Brecken Bjerke, Chippewa Falls; and to the end, Dixie Duffey was the love of Terry’s life and his great musical partner.

Terry’s talent, generosity and unpretentious wit will be sorely missed. Nicole recommends celebrating Terry’s memory by enjoying his CD. “If you close your eyes and listen very closely, you’ll hear the notes of an acoustic guitar floating down from Heaven.”

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held at the Cornell American Legion, from 12:30-5 p.m., Saturday, April 5. Food, refreshments, music and opportunities for open mic tributes will be provided.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cornell, is assisting the family. 166553