To view the livestream of the Funeral Mass, please go to https://www.holyfamilygf.org/.

Terrence J. McKenna, 89, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Valley Senior Living on 42nd.

Terry was born August 23, 1934, to Michael John and Geraldine McKenna in Devils Lake, ND. They were living in Brocket, ND. Due to his dad's job as a depot agent, they moved to Lakota, where Terry discovered his love for swimming (becoming a lifeguard in Cando and college). In 7th grade they moved to Cando, the place Terry always called home. He graduated from Cando High in 1952 and then went to St. John's University in Collegeville, MN, where he was active in Army ROTC, Men's Chorus, band, symphony, and dance band, graduating in 1956.

On November 3, 1956, Terry and Mary Ann Simpson were married in Cando. They moved to Issaquah, WA, where Terry was stationed at a Nike missile base on Cougar Mt. His squadron played baseball and won the U.S. championship. First child Tim was born in Seattle. In 1958 they moved to Windom, MN, where Terry worked in banking and Maureen was born. The family moved to Grand Forks, where Terry worked with Edward Brady & Co. and became a C.P.A. They were charter members of Holy Family Catholic Church, and Kathleen and Michael joined the family. In 1966 they moved to St. Joseph, MN, where Terry was business manager at the College of St. Benedict, and Colleen was born. Back in Grand Forks in 1971, Terry joined Holcomb, Knudson. Later, Terry started his own firm, McKenna & Associates, with Kevin Austin and Ron Bleth.

Terry was active in Holy Family church and school, Sertoma Club, St. Anne's Living Center, Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla Maternity Home, City Band, and The Unforgettables Choir. Music was a big part of his life. He was involved in many different activities, such as golf, fishing, and sports at the YMCA. Terry loved his faith, family, and community. He was a master joke teller and an amazing dad. He also liked to travel, including many wonderful family vacations to over 50 states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada, where he drove countless miles with the camper. With dementia, Terry moved to Valley Senior Living (Hearthstone Neighborhood) in November 2023, where he received wonderful care.

Terry is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; children, Tim (Kathleen) Cedar Falls IA, Maureen (Jose Estevez) Arcadia CA, Kathleen (Curtis Benally) Farmington NM, Michael (Michele) Wausau WI, Colleen (Ralph Thomson) Bonney Lake WA, and daughter-in-law, Charline; grandchildren, Tim (BrieAnn), Joseph, Shannon, Christine, Anna, Daniel, Rose, Sean, Josiah, and Kenzie; great-grandchildren, Emilie, Anthony, Gianna, Timothy, and Emma; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters and brothers-in-law, Trudy and Leonard Nygaard, Beverly and Bruce Sundahl, and Babe and Terry Belzer.

Memorials may be made to Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla Maternity Home at 15605 Co Rd 15, Minto, ND 58261, or Holy Family/St. Mary's School at 1001 17th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024, in Holy Family Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND. To view the livestream of the Funeral Mass, please go to https://www.holyfamilygf.org/ .
Visitation: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a 9:45 a.m. rosary service in the church on Thursday.
Burial: In the spring of 2024, at Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.