Terry L. Lundbom

Christmas

Terry Leonard Lundbom, born July 12, 1949, passed away Tuesday March 24, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, imagination, and unmistakable individuality. A dreamer, a true creative, and an original hippie at heart, Terry brought color, curiosity, and a free spirited warmth to everyone who crossed his path.

Terry proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, stationed in Germany during wartime. He carried his service with humility and gratitude, always aware of the fortune that shaped his journey and the perspective it gave him. He proudly retired from Kimberly Clark papermill being the 3rd generation of his family to do so.

Terry was never more in his element than when he was on the waters of Lake Superior, braving its cold, unpredictable moods in his tiny 14 foot boat. With determination and a twinkle of adventure in his eye, he would head all the way out to the shipping lanes in search of the biggest lake trout that lived beneath those vast, icy depths. His devotion to the lake was legendary, a testament to both his courage and his deep love for the natural world. Terry also treasured his trips to Alaska where he loved to fish and catch halibut.

His creativity extended far beyond the shoreline. In 1969, Terry and his best friend, Ken Fulcher, founded Skyland Candleworks, a venture born from imagination and experimentation. By 1970, they became the original patent holders for the technique of embedding objects around a wax core, a breakthrough that gave rise to the beloved Lake Superior rock candles Terry crafted and sold for more than twenty years. At one point, it seemed nearly everyone had one of his candles glowing in their home, each piece carrying a bit of the lake and a bit of Terry’s spirit within it.

For nearly 40 years, Terry shared his life with his beloved wife, Debra Burley Lundbom, his partner in love, laughter, adventure, and the everyday magic of a life built side by side raising two generations of their children. Debra lives on to carry the legacy of the blended family they built together.

Terry will be remembered for his originality, his artistic soul, and the unmistakable spark he carried. A man who dreamed boldly, loved deeply, and lived life on his own terms. His presence will be profoundly missed, and his spirit will continue to echo in the stories, memories, and creative sparks he leaves behind.

He was a devoted grandfather, deeply connected to the family he cherished. He is survived by his wife of forty years - Debra Burley-Lundbom, daughters - Angeline Lundbom and Sheila Roberts; grandkids - Alexander VanZandt and Siera Balko; and the apple of his eye, great-granddaughter - baby Tegan Mae Niedzwiecki; loving sisters; Raenel (Tom) Gatiss and Joette (Richard) Seaburg; sisters-in-law Theresa Lee and Lisa (Clarence) Dube. He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Phyllis, and son Chandler Lundbom, whom he now joins in peaceful rest.

Services will be announced at a later date. 

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