Terry Michael Gilligan

Terry Michael Gilligan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Surrounded by the love of his entire family in his final days and true to his character, the master of subtle exits, he slipped away while his grandchildren stepped out for an ice cream break-an unmistakable Irish goodbye.

Terry was born June 8th, 1953, to James & Thelma Gilligan in Waterloo, Iowa. The youngest of four children, he would tell you he usually missed out on all the fun because he “had to go to bed.” Even with the claimed early bedtimes, there were plenty of family stories about camping trips, family road trips in the Volkswagen, and one tale of an angry mother bear who may have been provoked by a BB gun.

At a young age, Terry learned to fix cars, kitchen sinks, and everything in between. We suspect this is when his “collection” began, as he always had exactly the right tools for any odd job around the house, or municipal water treatment system, whichever came first! When asking where new tools came from, you would quickly be told; “Nunya!”

He was quietly proud of his long career, having dedicated nearly 50 years to Claassen Engineering & Surveying. Known for his meticulous nature, he placed a high value on precision. To many, he was simply “Gilligan,” and often recognized by the unmistakable stare behind the wheel of his work truck.

On September 26th, 1975, Terry married Maggie Baker at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Waterloo, IA. Terry’s job took them out of state the first few years of marriage, before moving back to Waterloo where they would build their life and family together. He spent many of those years fabric shopping for sewing lessons, wiring stadium lights at ball fields, and helping with math lessons, often starting at 10:00 at night! His family was never in question on how much he cared for them all.

He was also an instigator of mischief, which only got worse as his family continued to grow with in-laws and grandkids. Unsuspecting participants were usually blamed when Maggie discovered something new in the garage. His grandkids quickly had him figured out, not one of them phased by his attempts at being gruff. He made sure to always have his garage freezer well stocked with ice cream, and made no attempt to restrict their access, especially before meals.

Left to carry on his Irish shenanigans are his wife of 50 years, Maggie, daughters; Brenna (Joe) Schaefer of Raymond, Bailey (Travis) Dudley of Walker, and son; Brodie (Angie) Gilligan of Elkhart and the absolute joys of his life, his six grandkids, Adrie, Kaden, Kelli, Drew, Katie & Emma. We will all carry on and be happy again, we just need to “ease into it”. Survivors also include his sister, Beth (Mark) Nagle, and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James, and Thelma Gilligan; his brothers, Tom Gilligan, and Patrick “Rick” Gilligan; and his sister-in-law, Mary Gilligan.

A family hosted Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 14th, 2025, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Waterloo, IA. A Memorial Gathering will take place one hour before at 10:00 a.m. A private family burial will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

For those wishing, memorials may be directed to Hope Lodge in Rochester, MN.