Terry Muelken, age 79, of Prior Lake, MN, went to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.
All services held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, with a visitation on Tuesday, April 19, from 4-7 pm, and Wednesday, April 20, from 10-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am. Friends can live stream the Mass by visiting http://stmichael-pl.org and clicking on the live stream tab. Terry will be laid to rest at Credit River Catholic Cemetery with Father Tom Walker presiding. Pallbearers will be Rick Schmitz, Todd Farrell, Mark Muelken, Chris Caduff, Andy Platt, Brian Marsh, Jason Muelken, and Cally Trimbo. Honorary pallbearers will be the Credit River Tractor Club Members and special honors by the Prior Lake Fire Department
On June 2, 1942, parents Clarence and Ethel (Kaufenberg) Muelken celebrated the birth of their son Terrence Leander. The second of eight tight knit children, he loved growing up on the family farm in Credit River. Along with his siblings and close friends, Terry had many adventures throughout the countryside.
Following his graduation from Lakeville High School in 1960, Terry entered the workforce. Over the years, he worked at Owens Manufacturing, Continental Machines, and Knox Lumber. Sociable and considerate, Terry’s most fulfilling job was with First American Crafts & Gifts, where he owned and operated the business for 27 years.
In his youth, Terry was introduced to a young woman, Barb Trimbo, while attending the movies with friends. Their story began simply with a long-distance phone call and correspondence through letters…Terry said the postage was cheaper than a phone call! The couple was united in marriage September 7, 1963, at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Belle Plaine, MN. Together, they settled in Prior Lake to raise their family.
Wanting to return to his farming roots, Terry and Barb eventually moved to Credit River. Over the years, they enjoyed traveling. However, Terry was most content at home, where he could tend to the land and tinker in his shed. Terry believed strongly in being a steward to the earth.
Terry instilled a deep sense of faith in his children and grandchildren. He taught them the importance of kindness through his actions—daily phone calls with the grandchildren, writing notes and letters to his children, always taking the time to listen, and praying together.
Terry had a servant’s heart and dedicated his time to church and the community. Encouraged by his friends, Terry joined the Prior Lake Fire Department, where he volunteered for 17 years. An avid collector of antique tractors, Terry was also a founding member of the Credit River Tractor Club. Additionally, Terry served countless years on the Credit River Cemetery Board.
A constant presence in his family’s life, Terry leaves them with a legacy of integrity and the knowledge that they have loved a good man.
Terry is missed by his wife of 58 years, Barb; children, Michael (Teresa) Muelken, James (Jodi) Muelken, Lori (Gary) Olson; grandchildren, James Muelken, Bon Muelken, Eli Muelken, Cady Muelken, Maiah Muelken, Jake Muelken, Brittney (Thomas) Joachim, Elizabeth Olson (Aaron), Jamie Olson; great-grandchildren, Jack and Charlee; adopted nephew Naji Verghase; siblings, Bev (Dick) Schmitz, Marge Farrell, Tom (Carol) Muelken, Pat (Larry) Caduff, Linda Platt, and Jeanne Marsh; Brother-in-law, Jack (Laurie) Trimbo; countless relatives and friends.
Terry is greeted in Heaven by his parents, Clarence and Ethel Muelken; brother, Jeff Muelken; brothers-in-law, Ken Farrell and Don Trimbo; sisters-in-law, Judy Busacker and Susan Trimbo; nephew, Troy Farrell, and parents-in-law, Don and Mary Trimbo.
