Terry Hjelm

With heavy hearts and countless cherished memories, we announce the passing of Terry Hjelm on July 1st, at the age of 79.

If you were looking for Terry, there was a good chance you would find him with a fishing pole in hand, swapping stories by the water, or at home being lovingly outnumbered by the pets who somehow always ended up in charge. He believed there wasn't much that couldn't be made better by a day on the lake, a loyal dog/cat at his feet, or a good laugh shared with family and friends with a can of Rainier in hand.

More than anything, Terry will be remembered for a generous heart, a ready smile, and the way he was always available to help with whatever project anyone needed help with. He found joy in life's simple pleasures and reminded those around him that the best days didn't require much—just good company, a cold beer, and maybe a fish willing to cooperate.

Terry is survived by sisters Kathy “Fatty” Martin and Hope Lovell and brother Clarence “Chirp” Hjelm, and his beloved cats Precious and P2. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, many who he taught to fish and who eventually out fished him consistently.

He was preceded in death by his loving dog Spot, his parents, George and Vara Hjelm and siblings Beverly, Rosula, Donna, George, Brad, Lois, Lonnie, Mary and Carter “Punk”. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in imagining him casting a line into the perfect fishing hole, surrounded by faithful pets, where the fish are always biting and no one has to exaggerate the size of the catch.

A celebration of life will be taking place privately with close family. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Blackfoot Humane Society at https://www.binghamcountyhumane.org/donate-1

We will miss Terry more than words can express, but every cast into the water, every happy bark or contented purr, cold Rainier and every story that grows just a little bigger with each telling will keep his memory forever in our hearts.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at EIRMC for their compassionate care, kindness, and support during Terry's final days. Your dedication brought comfort not only to him but also to our family, and we will always be grateful.

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