Terry L. Gunther, age 69, of Billings, Montana formerly Miles City, MT passed away peacefully on 1/16/2023. Terry was born on April 7, 1953 in Miles City, Montana, son of Alex & Frances Gunther. He grew up in Miles City where he attended school graduating in 1971. Terry started working for Safeway in 1968; hired by his future father-in-law, Jim Stewart. In 1976 he married Jim’s daughter, Charlene K. Stewart. From this marriage they were blessed with 2 children, Michelle Hirsch (Gunther) and Ryan Gunther of Miles City. Terry continued his career in Miles City working in the grocery industry for 32 years, working every department from bag boy to store manager for Safeway, County Market and IGA. In November 2000, Terry and Charlene moved to Billings, MT where he transferred with County Market, and worked another 7 years in the grocery industry. In 2007 he left the grocery industry, and went to work for Juro’s Medical retiring in 2014.
Terry’s passion in life outside of his family, was his love for the Milwaukee Railroad. Terry’s father was a conductor on the Milwaukee, which started Terry’s passion for the hobby. Terry became friends with many long-time railroad employees, and loved to be outdoors exploring and walking the old Milwaukee tracks. Terry became an avid collector of Milwaukee Railroad memorabilia, and developed a large and extensive collection. Terry’s other hobbies included genealogy, hiking, sports and history. Terry loved traveling with his family and watching his children and grandchildren play sports.
Terry had a way of making everyone around him laugh, and knew how to put a smile on their face. He was remembered by most of his work colleagues for his “barking dog” heel nip to his corny jokes. He knew how to be kind, and brighten someone’s day. Terry was a very generous soul, always take time out of the day to say hello and visit with others even if he didn’t know them.
Terry is survived by his wife Charlene “Charlie” Gunther of Billings, MT; Daughter Michelle (Gary) Hirsch of Miles City MT; Son Ryan (Kami) Gunther of Miles City, MT; Grandchildren Tristan Hirsch, Kaylee Hirsch, Gabriel Gunther, & Kendall Gunther, all of Miles City, MT. Terry is also survived by his only brother Donald (Gloria) Gunther of Billings, MT; and numerous nieces and nephews. Terry was preceded in death by his parents Alex & Frances (Domagala) Gunther.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. at The Parlor at 1806 Main Street in Miles City. A private family interment will be held at the Custer County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 7, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Mile City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 7, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Mile City, MT 59301
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Denise and Jay Harvey says
What a great man and neighbor! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! May you find comfort in cherished memories.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Charlie, Michelle, Ryan and Families
I was very saddened for your loss of Terry, He always had a smile on his face and could one on yours when visiting with him. He was truly a great person and so kind hearted. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes Treasure”. Terry will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will get you thru difficult days ahead. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
Dean Holmes former Mayor of Miles City says
Sorry for your family loss.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathies
Melanie Florey says
Sorry for your loss Don and Gloria. Sounds like your brother was a wonderful man. Peace to you all.
RS says
To The Gunther family , such a HUGE LOSS once again for Billings/Miles City !!! Terry was a awesome person and im honored to have said yes i worked with him at county market for 6 yrs. .. just remember and cherish EVERY MEMORY made as it will help u all through this sad times.. Terry told me waaaaay back in the day stay with this u will go far .. well i worked retail from the age of 16 to 45 ..still in retail just as a delivery person now… but ya another STRONG Angel goes to heaven .. again to the Gunther family soo sorry and may God hug and guide u all through this time of trial .. losing a husband/dad/brother/uncle/grandpa are not easy ..but if i can say one thing NEVER EVER LOSE THE MEMORIES..thats what will build u in all ways .. even though Terry is in heaven u ALL have some sort of him in u all.. my prayers and thoughts go out to u all ..Just remember love and hug all kin family cause u NEVER KNOW IN LIFE when the last time u say i love u will could be the last .. damn shook up over this 😢but he is without pain and happy now … to the Gunther family GOD BLESS AND MAY GOD GUIDE THROUGH THIS BAD TIME ..JUST NEVER FOR GET MEMORIES AS THAT WILL GUIDE AND BUILD U ALL … GOD BLESS
Mike Mangen says
So very sad for your loss. He was a good guy, I remember the years we worked at Safeway and good times.
Linda cory koerper says
Charlene, so sorry for your family. Pray the Lord will give peace and comfort now and the days ahead.
Linda Cory koerper says
Charlene, praying for The Lord to give peace and comfort now and always.
Tracy Axelberg says
Charlie, I am so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. Thinking of you, my dear friend.
Marc Hartse says
I was surprised and saddened by this news. Terry was always pleasant and accommodating when I interacted with him. I remember him well even though it has been a considerable time since I last saw him. My sincere condolences.
Maureen Larson says
To all of Terry’s family ~
So very sorry for your loss and may the memories each of you hold bring comfort to you in this difficult time and in the days to come.
Beth Ann Johnson Wiedeman says
Gunther family, I am sending prayers for comfort to you during this time of grief. May you be blessed with memories that help heal the heart.
Sandy and Ric Rabe says
Prayers to you all for comfort and blessings in all the memories of Terry. God Bless you all.
Janet Edmonds says
Charlie and Family, I am sad to hear this news. Hold the memories close. I wish you peace.
Michael Brabant says
Sorry for your loss , I remember Terry when I used to be the Sweetheart Breadman , great man
Richard and LInda (Stevens) Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Remember when he was at Safeway for many years. He was a super Nice guy. Charlie and family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Berta Cauthron says
Don and Gloria, sorry to read this. Am thinking of you.
Dotti Green says
Charlie, I’m so sorry to hear of Terry’s death. May you hold all your memories close and find peace.
Dotti
Deb and Bob Hagemeister says
Charlie and all the families. So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Butch and Julie Krutzfeldt says
Butch really enjoyed visiting with Terry about his hobby and many interests. He was such a nice man! Please accept our sincere sympathy for your whole family.
Allen Edmonds says
Charlie and family,
So very sorry for your loss I just heard of Terry’s passing. My prayers are with you and may God’s grace and peace be upon you.
Blessings to you and your family.
Floyd & Myra Gabel says
So sorry for your loss. I remember him from years ago at county market. He was a fine man. Blessings.
Tracee L Raymond says
To the Gunther family,
I was so sorry to see this and to hear about Terry’s passing. I have found memories of Terry at Safeway and County Market. I remember him when I was hanging out with Cindy at Don and Gloria’s house. My condolences to all.
Duncan Bartholomew says
Always with the big smile and kind nature , a loss for us all !
lori campbell says
Sorry to hear this. Prayers going out🙏🙏🙏🙏
Bob Cremer says
Charlie, Michelle, Ryan and Families. Treasure all the great memories that you all had together. I remember such great times with Terry, while working with him at Safeways. He always had a smile on his face, and made working with him fun.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Cremer
Kolleen Forsyth says
My sympathy to you, Charlene,, your kids and families. So glad Terry could be home and at peace in his last days. Saying goodbye to our husbands catapults us on a path we’ve never experienced before. There’s support for this journey tho, even among classmates who are on this path also. Keep his memory alive in your family and cherish the 46 years you had together. 💕 Hugs to you.
Kelli Rooney Klein says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and many prayers to you all.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Charlie and family: Sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers. There are really no words but know that there are many who truly care for you all.
Mary Beth Nickens says
Charlie can’t imagine what you and yours are going through. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.
Terri and Ray Schmidt says
I am so so sorry for your loss of Terry. What a kind and gentle man he was. I will never forget how nice he was. He usually sat in front of me in grade school because of our last names. He was truly one of the good ones and will be missed by so many. And his kindness is evidenced in his two children, Ryan and Michelle.
Karla Elder says
My condolences to your family.
Karla (Lund) Elder
Bryan and Shannon says
So sorry to hear of this sad news. Here’s to good memories. Our prayers
Sandy Anderson says
Charlie and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I knew Terry when he first started as a box boy. He was kind, generous and could be so funny. I’ll keep you all in my prayers.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Charlene and Gunther family, You are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Terry was a person who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in his company. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories with my good friend Terry. Terry God Bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see you leave us
Nettie Wittenhagen says
I worked for Terry for many years. Terry was one of the kindest men I ever meet. Very hard working and honest. He was a true gentlemen. In the morning greeting customers with a Good Top Of the Morning. Good Top of the Morning Terry.
Nettie
Kim Stanton says
Dear Michelle and family,
So very saddened to read of the passing of your beloved father and grandfather. He was admired and respected— as seen by all of the thoughtful and loving comments. His work ethic and love for his family have definitely been passed on to all of you. The best of him will live on in all that you accomplish and do. I know each of you will continue to make him proud!
Sending prayers of condolence and much love your way,
Kim Stanton and family
Linda Darryl Moore says
So sorry to hear mr Gunther passed. Prayers for Charlie, Michelle and Ryan (and all of Terry’s fam).
Mike Kelley says
I was very surprised and saddened to hear that Terry is no longer with us. We share your loss, Charlie!
Terry was a joker as told by many others, but he was also very kind to me when we worked together.
You, Charlie, were kind to me as well, and I’ll always be indebted to you both. My thoughts and prayers turn to you and all your family. Debbie and I wish you peace and joyous memories of this wonderful man. God bless you all!
Myrna and Jr Perkins says
Sincerest sympathy, Charlie, and all the Gunther families, in the loss of Terry. Memories will sustain you as you navigate your sorrow and grief. Prayers for you all.
Wendy Jo DeSmidt- Kohlhoff says
Charlie and family , I am so so sorry about losing your dear husband, brother , brother in law, father, grandfather , father in law and friend. I will always remember Terry for being so nice to me and always cracking a joke. I will always think of him when I eat mustard and ketchup for sure because he always teased me about spilling those condiments on their driveway. Of course I never spilled those on the driveway he was referring to my cars named mustard and ketchup. Terry was always so funny and quite the life of the party. He was so enjoyable at our murder party where he dressed up like a gangster, he actually pulled it off rather well. He and I had 2 special things in common we bother love Charlie and we both loved the same desserts and cookies from laurel MT, that’s for sure. I liked Gun Smoke as well, but he probably loved Gun Smoke more than I did. Its still so hard to believe Terry is gone and won’t be there when I visit their home in Billings. I cant even begin to imagine what Charlie and all of Terrys family is going through but I know I wish there was something I could say or do to help heal your hurting hearts. My prayers, thoughts, love, is being sent your way. If I don’t make it to Mile City for the celebration of life please know that I am thinking of you and praying for Terry and for your peace. Sincerely , Love Wendy and Kris Kohlhoff Fromberg MT
Nancy Hafla says
Terry was Genes best man when we got Married! He will be missed!!