Terry (Duffy) Brink

December 28, 1941  to  May 24, 2023

   Terry “Duff” Lynn Brink, 81, of Cloquet, MN passed away unexpectedly on May 24th, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth surrounded by family.

    He was born to Lorene and Robert Brink on December 28th, 1941 in Waterloo, IA. Terry went to school in Marshalltown and Waterloo, IA before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps with his best friend Roger Damon after 10th grade. While in the Marine Corps he completed his GED. Following his service in the Marine Corps, Terry married Susan Watters, moved to Anaheim, California, and had 3 children (Terry II, Robert, and Bridget). He was divorced from Susan and moved back to Waterloo, IA with his oldest son Terry II. He then was married to Michele Gaboury for over ten years, moved to Cloquet, MN, where they had their daughter Andrea.Terry lived the rest of his life there; becoming employed by the City of Cloquet shortly after arriving where he worked until he retired. Terry took pride in working for the city and loved being “in the know” to the point that even after retirement he kept his scanner on 24/7. While working for the city Terry met Char, whom he loved deeply. They were married until she passed away unexpectedly in 2006 and since then a part of him has been missing.

     Terry enjoyed helping others and being part of something bigger than himself; whether that was serving his country in the Marine Corps, serving in AFSCME union leadership roles, volunteering with the Red Cross after natural disasters, campaigning for his favored candidate, or being part of the Patriot Guard. Terry was a gregarious man with a smile or mischievous grin that could relax a room. He loved to socialize, meet new people, cruise the countryside in his Corvette, and cheer on his favorite sports teams. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

     Terry is survived by his four siblings Jerry (Betty) Brink of IA, Sandie (Terry) Scheffert of IA, John (Eileen) Brink of IA, and Kathy Brink; his children Terry (Jane) Brink of Baxter, MN, Bridget Orr of CA, Robert Orr of CA, and step-son Eric George of Hibbing, MN; 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his spouse, Char Brink, parents Robert and Lorene Brink, and daughter Andrea Brink.

     A military burial at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls will take place on July 21, 2023 at noon with a reception to follow in Fort Ripley.