Service Details
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are suggested.
Terrence Craig Cortez – passed away Monday, May 15, 2023 in Racine, WI at the age of 75. Terry suffered a stroke seven years prior and was also diagnosed with dementia, which ultimately claimed his life.
Born December 12, 1947 to Dorothy (Lorenz) and Gustavo Cortez, Terry lived his entire life in Racine, growing up and later raising a family of his own.
Terry worked for many years at St. Luke’s hospital where he was a controller. After the merging of St. Luke’s and St. Mary’s hospitals to All Saints, Terry moved on to support various healthcare clinics and facilities throughout Southeastern WI and Northern IL until his retirement in late 2014.
Terry’s true passion was the sports he played and spending time with his family. Terry was involved in many team sports and had a special knack for getting others involved too. He was called “the gatherer” by one of his brothers. Terry was a runner and was inducted into the Lighthouse Run Hall of fame, as he and two other Racine natives had run every single Lighthouse Run since inception.
Terry was also the organizer of broomball events, which were part of Racine’s winter carnival held years ago. Most notable may be his organization of his Dekoven Basketball league and his route coordination of the Beast from Southeast, a cycling group that raised awareness and money for the Veterans Memorial in Neilsville, WI.
Terry loved sports and was actively engaged in his life until his final year. Terry played football, baseball, basketball, broomball, running, biking, hiking, walking, ice skating, hockey, and even dragon boat paddling in the year preceding his death – you name it and Terry was game to try almost anything at least once. Although most notable was probably his running and cycling careers, where many others joined him in the miles laid and memories made.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne (Kresal); his son Tony (Stacy), his daughter Michelle (Jerry), his grandchildren: Chris, Alayna, Cody, Josh, Caden, Maya, Adi and seven great grandchildren; his siblings – Mike (Gloria), Linda, Allan, Ron (Elvia), Bruce, Duncan (Rachel) and long time friends – Tom Olsen and the late, Dan Olsen.
James Weyrough says
Suzanne, Tony and Michelle,
Lord has a new soldier of
Heaven
I’ll pray for you.
Denis and Sue Weisensel says
Dear Suzanne, Tony and Michelle, so very sorry for your loss. I do not remember ever seeing Terry without a smile on his face, he lived a good and happy life!
Much love and prayers to you and your families.
Bill Greco says
My deepest sympathies to Suzanne, Tony, Michelle, Duncan and the entire Cortez family and his many friends.
When I think of Terry, I remember the smiling face, and his unwavering determination and hustle whether it was on the court for DeKoven “no blood, no fouls” basketball or the softball diamond as the St Luke’s team battled for a city league championship.
He was always the life of the party after the game!
Many memories of visiting in his office in Accounting, under the watchful eye of Alex Soltez, as we discussed what the next athletic adventure he was moving on to.
I recall a post Lighthouse Run party in my backyard where Michelle was so kind to entertain our two year old daughter. Good fellowship with Terry and Dr Vernon Burch, as we replaced lost body fluids with cold keg beer.
Great memories of a great guy!
Until we meet again my friend.
Bill Greco – St Luke’s Nuclear Medicine
Chris Dorf says
Commissioner, thank you for all you did.
Tony Trotta says
I first met Terry when I worked at St. Luke’s Hospital. Terry is very Professional, and Knowledgeable in his Job. He was so helpful with me when I asked him questions especially during Budget Time. We would meet during Breakfast, Lunches, and Breaks. Our times together were Legendary we filled the Cafeteria with our Laughter. We also met after work playing Basketball, Golfing, Softball, or just hanging around at Hammes’s. We always played Hard and Serious, but always ended as Friends. Terry was a Leader, Hard Worker and a Great Friend to me. We haven’t seen each other for a long time, but I thought of him often. Rest In Peace my Dear Friend. My Sincere Condolences to Suzanne, Tony, Michelle, and Duncan.
Dean Stanton says
To the entire Cortez family. My deepest condolences. Terry was a great guy and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jay Monahan says
A warm friend, respected professional, and all around great guy.