Terry Cellmer

March 14, 2020

Terry Cellmer went peacefully in his sleep to be with the Lord on March 14, 2020, at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Keller(Nelson) and his twin sister, Karen Smith(Warren). Terry was the loving husband of Judy(nee Lillie) and the proud Dad of Troy(Kat) and Trent(Mary-Kate). He was a devoted Grandpa to his three grandsons, Denis, Nolan, and Austin. Whenever he spent time with them, he would always say, " Life doesn't get any better than this." Terry is also survived by his two brothers, Kim(Julia) and Rod(Joy). He will also be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews and his in-laws, and friends. Terry was born in Carrington, ND on June 21, 1945, but spent most of his childhood years in Jamestown where he graduated from high school. He was an active member of the FFA and spent his summers working on his Uncle Clarence's farm. He enlisted in the Navy in 1964 at the age of 19 and served his country for 7 years as a machinist mate 2nd class aboard nuclear submarines. While in the service, he met Judy in Ct. and they married in 1971. Upon completion of his Naval service, he enrolled at Kansas State University and received his BS in Nuclear Engineering in 1976. While a KSU student, he was hired to operate the college's nuclear reactor. Right up to the day of his passing, Terry exhibited his Purple Pride with his KSU purple attire! Throughout his working career, his family and he moved around the country where Terry was instrumental in the start-up of nuclear power plants, concentrating on radiation protection. After living in Georgia for 5 years, working for The Institute of Nuclear Power, he accepted a job working for PSE&G at the Salem plants as the Radiation Protection Officer until his retirement. Terry was an avid sports fan. He was a referee for junior high and high school basketball, and faithfully attended his grandsons' various sporting events. He loved to play golf and collect baseball cards and other sports memorabilia. He was an active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council's financial committee and was involved in feeding the needy. A private graveside service was held on March 20, 2020 at Emanuel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.