Terry Joseph Stallman

Terrill (Terry) Joseph Stallman, 77, passed away in Detroit Lakes, MN, on October 25, 2026. Born on November 21, 1948, to the late Thomas and Lois (Jensen) Stallman, Terry grew up farming in Wyndmere and Barney, ND. After graduating from North Dakota State University, he would gladly have traded his diploma for one more football season cheering on the Bison and stirring up a little chaos in the stands. He met his wife, Jane, in Fargo, and together they embarked on a grand adventure.

If you knew Terry, you knew Terry…

•You strategized with him on a business deal. •You laid on the floor with him, playing Legos and Monopoly. •You sat with him on a community or business board. •You understood his passion for developing and strengthening small businesses. •You were a hunting companion. •You saw him through the glass at your hockey game. •You met him for a drink and likely played some pull tabs. •You heard one of his infamous stories more than once. He’d squint with one eye and lean in a little closer, adding extra details with each retelling–that’s where the gold was. •You’ve been asked, “How you doing?!” •You’ve been made to feel very proud of an accomplishment. •You knew, without a doubt, that he cared deeply. •You were the recipient of one of his checklists, which had to be done yesterday. •You enjoyed scenic routes to everyday destinations while he was deep in thought.

You knew, once upon a time, he was a mountain of a man—a presence and strength he carried gracefully into his later years.

Terry was always at work, but he had a unique ability to make it fun—and, at the same time, to turn the ‘fun’ into work. He took great pride in working hard and believed that “anything worth having was worth working for.” He lived by example every day, sharing his knowledge and teaching the importance of dedication, perseverance, and taking pride in a job well done.

Terry and Jane gave their family the tremendous gift of memories, both big and small. They also always provided a warm, loving home where everyone could gather.

Loved by and cared for by so many, Terry will continue to be remembered and held in the hearts of his memory-correcting wife of 57 years, Jane Ellen (Grahn) Stallman; daughter Nikkelyn (Nat) Willgohs; son Joseph (Karri) Stallman; and daughter Karralyn (Nate) Krump; seven grandchildren, Lyndsey (Zachery) Staskywicz, Rachel (Caitlynn) Willgohs, Ryan (Kate) Willgohs, Reece and Grady Stallman, Corbin and Berit Krump; and four great-grandchildren, Margot, Adler, and Evelyn Staskywicz, and Sullivan Willgohs. He is also survived by his siblings, Patrick (Margie) Stallman, Timothy Stallman, Jerry (Doreen) Stallman, and Renee (Guy) Sanders.

Terry’s resume reflects his focus on building small-town businesses. He was the owner of Cabinets Unlimited; the director of economic development at North Dakota State College of Science; the state director of economic development for North Dakota; an economic developer for Perham, MN; the director of economic development for Congressman Collin Peterson; and an economic developer for Ottertail Power. He also enjoyed restoring small resorts into property associations, creating family lake fun for countless families.

Friends and family are invited to Terry’s Celebration of Life at the VFW, 500 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN, Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 4 pm, to raise a toast to an incredible guy.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please support your hometown local businesses.