Terry Michael McNeese

Terry Michael McNeese, 73, passed away on November 24, 2018 at the Peppi’s Hospice Home in Tucson, Ariz.  Terry battled Stage 4 lung cancer for three years with courage and fortitude through many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. He was continually surrounded by family and friends.

He was born in Belvidere, Ill., on June 17, 1945. Terry attended Marengo High School and upon graduation entered the United States Air Force from 1964-1968. Terry met his wife, Gretchen Saladin McNeese, in 1969 while Gretchen was attending Northern Illinois University. The two were married Aug. 15, 1970.

In 1970 Terry owned and operated the Beard & Stovall clothing store on the Woodstock Square with his partner Rich Mann. Terry later became sole owner of Beard & Stovall until 1998.  Terry loved his work in the men’s clothing industry, but enjoyed fishing at the family Lake House in Merrimac, Wis., and the Saladin family cabin in Pempine, Wis. Terry was a member of IRMA and the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. He co-chaired the Woodstock Jamboree and the Holiday Lights for the Square. He sponsored many young ladies for the Miss Woodstock Contest. He was a member of the Downtown Parking Association and a sponsor of the Woodstock Opera House.

Terry and his wife, Gretchen, along with their daughter, Colleen (Vasley), moved to Tucson in June 1998 for the warm sunshine days and the beautiful Catalina Mountains. Their son Jason McNeese moved to Tucson a year later, and their son Christopher resided in Rockford, Ill.

Terry is survived by his wife, Gretchen of Tucson; three children, Colleen Vasley, Jason McNeese, Christopher McNeese; eight grandchildren, Kendall and Cole McNeese of Woodstock, Kenny Blinkal of Florida, Keilah and Anna Sophia of Tucson, Blake, Hailey and Landon Vasley of Tucson; a sister, Karen Myers of Woodstock; and his mother, Doris McNeese of Marengo.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy L (Mike) McNeese.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 14, 2018 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Avenue Woodstock from 9:30 am until the 11:00 am Memorial Mass.  Interment will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Woodstock.

Memorials in honor of Terry can be made to Peppi’s Hospice Home of Tucson at www.tmcaz.com/foundation or email foundations@tmcaz.com or to St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 3201 East Presidio Road, Tucson, AZ 85716.

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