Ret. Col. Dirck G. Terwilliger

Age 65, of Lansing, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2012, after a short-term illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Dirck was the oldest son of F. Wells and Jacqueline Terwilliger. He served his country during the Vietnam conflict and retired from the Michigan National Guard after 30 years of military service. He was the owner of the Hobby Hub, a specialty store in Frandor, until his retirement in 2006. He served several terms on the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum Board, the CATA Board, and the Catholic Social Services Board. Additionally, Dirck was active in the Knights of Columbus and a parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing.

Dirck is survived by his wife, Tammy (Thanhtam); three sons, Nicholas, Edwin, Richard; two stepchildren, Brian Ellis of Boston, MA, and Lisa Ellis of Orlando, FL; and two sisters, Jane Terwilliger of Ann Arbor and Sara (Bill) Dutcher of Mason.

Dirck was preceded in death by his parents and previous wife, Lien. Family will receive friends at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:30 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. Anthony Strouse celebrating.  Burial and military honors will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Dirck’s family asks that you send donations to R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, 240 Museum Drive, Lansing MI 48933 or Knights of Columbus Council #7816, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823.

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8 Messages to “Ret. Col. Dirck G. Terwilliger

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Laura, Dan, and Christian Schelstraete
May 14, 2012 at 2:52 pm

I send my prayers and love to all of my family there in Michigan…I wish I were there with you! Know that we loved Dirck and he will be greatly missed. Our sympathy during this trying time!!

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Kay Rout
May 15, 2012 at 2:03 pm

I am sorry to have you depart, Dirck.

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Norm Krentel
May 15, 2012 at 9:23 pm

From that day in 1958 when we met at Walter French Jr. High, Dirck and I became instant friends, always sharing a common interest in transportation history; without a doubt Dirck will truly be missed!!

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Eugene T. Buckley
May 16, 2012 at 11:27 am

I met Dirck at the Hobby Hub a long time ago. He was a wise person and we had many great intellectual discussions over the years. We crossed paths now and then and it was always a great experience to run into him. He will be missed.

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Todd and Mary-Brook Townsend
May 16, 2012 at 12:14 pm

Rich-
I am so sorry to hear the news. Please know that we will be thinking about you lots during this time. My parents send their regrets that they cannot attend the service as they are out of town as well. Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.

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Dave Laurell
May 16, 2012 at 3:33 pm

So sad to hear about Dirck passing. He was always so helpful when he had the Hobby Hub. Always willing to listen and help me learn about the model train hobby. Nic just recently told me his Dad had plans on updating his home layout. Praying for the comfort of Nic and Dirck’s sister, Sara. They too are carrying on the customer service model their Brother and Father set. I’m out of state at the moment or I would have come to visitation.

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Rudy and Jennifer Hornus
May 17, 2012 at 10:23 am

Tammy and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Dirck. He was a good man. We had hoped to get down to the funeral but unfortunately we were not able to. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance to you. You all are in our prayers. Rudy and Jennifer Hornus 220 N. Main Street, St. Louis, MI 48880, (989) 388-3136

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Eugene Carolan
May 17, 2012 at 11:11 am

COL Terwilliger was an excellent officer and technition, as well as a man, father and husband. As the Director of Information Management he was responsible for all of the systems, from telephones to cabeling to computers, that the Michigan National Guard relied on. In addition he gave to his community as a member of numerous boards, especially CATA where his influence was profound. His entreprenuerial skills were in evidence as he successfully operated Frandor’s Hobby Hub for many years. In short he set the example of hard work, intlligence and dedication for all those that knew him. He set the standard high. He will be missed.

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