John L Terkelsen

John L. Terkelsen, 92, long-time resident of Woodville, passed away peacefully September 27, 2026, at Park View Care Center. As John would say, in jest, he passed away due to complications from “A.G.E.”

He was born on October 28,1933, in Cady Township to Hans and Pearl (Lunde) Terkelsen. John went to the Denver Country School and graduated from Woodville High School in 1951. He farmed with his dad prior to enlisting in the US Army in 1954.

On May 25, 1954, John married Rachel Van Dien. John continued his Army Service until 1956. After John was discharged from the army, he and Rachel resided in Menomonie, WI for a short time before moving to Woodville in 1960 and then remained in the area.

After his Army Service, John worked as a truck driver hauling milk. He started his milk hauling career by picking up canned milk and later switched to driving a bulk milk truck for Summit Cheese Factory for 29 years. Later, he would work in the maintenance department at the Baldwin Hospital and then, he and Rachel, worked as custodians for Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville for 13 years.

John was a well-known local musician. He started performing at age 18 and later was a member of the Short Brothers band playing for many local wedding dances and parties. He loved to entertain and felt blessed to have a musical career for over 70 years.

A farmer at heart, John enjoyed living on his hobby farm. He was an avid collector of toy tractors, enjoyed making handmade farm implements and creating farm scene displays. Every October, John painted pumpkins to share with family and friends.

He was an active member of the Woodville American Legion, serving as a Chaplain and part of the funeral Honor Guard for many years. John was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was a member of Joseph's Square, the choir, and served on the church council. John was also very involved with the Woodville Historical Society.

Preceded in death by his wife Rachel; son John Jr., his fiancée Dee Ellefson and Dee’s daughter Jenny; brother Hanley; and niece Shereen.

Survived by three daughters Sheryl (Jim) Howe of Eau Claire, Sue (Tom) Cody of Roberts, & Julie (Rich) Schultz of Deer Park; 9 grandchildren Barry (Tessa), Carrie (Bil), Alicia (Brendan), Jason (Paula), Holly (Nate), Tyler (Sara), Jayna (Nate), Kyle, & Allison (Caleb); many great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Marie Terkelsen; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, October 3rd with visitation 9 AM-11AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville. Interment Sunset Cemetery, Woodville.

Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, Woodville American Legion, or Woodville Historical Society.

Funeral services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Baldwin. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or 715-684-3434