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.

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.