Terry D. Van Sickle, 66, of the Brainerd Lakes Area, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society – Bethany Campus, surrounded by the family he so dearly loved.

Born October 3, 1959, in Brainerd to Dale and Hazel (Smith) Van Sickle, Terry spent all 66 years exactly where he wanted to be—among the lakes, woods, and people of the community he called home. He worked at Walmart as a custodian and later as a technician at Mills, jobs he took great pride in and approached with his trademark determination and patience. And he was the master of early arrivals: if you weren't 15 minutes early you were ten minutes late.

A true outdoorsman, Terry found his peace in nature. Hunting, trapping, fishing, or simply walking the woods, he cherished the quiet places where he felt closest to God. Those who knew him know that "going for a walk" often meant he might return anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours later—always with a story, a grin, and usually a lesson tucked in there somewhere.

The title Terry held most proudly was "Dad." He was a devoted and deeply engaged father, never missing an opportunity to teach, guide, tease, or encourage his children. He instilled in them a strong work ethic, an appreciation for the outdoors, and a sense of humor that could survive even the most legendary Minnesota winters. And no conversation ever ended without his signature reminder: "Remember, Dad loves you." His children never once doubted it.

Terry will be dearly missed by his mom, Hazel; his children, Jill (Jesse) Huber, Jennifer Van Sickle, Carrie (Shawn) Rakowski, Megan (Brandon) Strowbridge, Jordan (Jen) Van Sickle, and Jaime (Joshua) Johnson; grandchildren, Jade, Emma, Connor, Adianna, Alexander, Sierra, Elijah, Gabriel, and Harrison; great-grandchild, Ares; and his siblings, David (Cindy) and Lynn (Steve). He is preceded in death by his father, Dale.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Nelson – Doran Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service and to stay afterward for light refreshments, stories, and a few smiles—because Terry would absolutely insist on those.