Terry Carlson was born on June 15, 1944, to Harry and Ruth (Swartz) Carlson. He and his sister Regina were raised in Spring Lake.
After graduation from Grand Haven High School in 1962, Terry went on to Hope College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went on to Western Michigan University to receive a Masters of Education degree.
Terry worked for over 30 years for Mona Shores Public Schools as a Guidance Counselor and Athletic Director. While at Mona Shores, he also worked part-time for the City of Norton Shores in the Parks and Recreation Department, eventually becoming their Parks and Recreation Superintendent. During and after college, Terry spent nearly 30 years officiating high school and college basketball, baseball, and football.
In 1983, Terry married the former Marcia Erickson, combining their two families. They spent many fun filled years at their cottage on School Section Lake and watching many sporting events played by their 16 grandchildren.
Terry is survived by his wife Marcia, along with their children Amy Dalman (Ryan), Kristin Woiteshek (Eric), Rhonda Baskin (Rick Gowell), Scott Frasier (Adrienne), Dana Mikesell (Jim), and Chris Pickel (Russ). Grandchildren include Andrew, Sara, and Connor Dalman, Molly, Kendall, and Mallory Woiteshek, Tara Zimmer (Jake), Alex and Chad Frasier, Justin, Anthony (Anna), Sarah, and Jami Mikesell, Andi Wierengo, Cooper Wierengo, and Colin Pickel, along with great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Finley, and Colton Zimmer, and Braxton Frasier. Additionally, Terry is survived by his sister Regina Vazquez (Carlos) and niece Sami Adams Bench.