Rexford Terwilliger

Rexford “Rex” M. Terwilliger, 83, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born May 21, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, son of the late Patrick and Mickey (Smith) Terwilliger. Rex graduated from Farwell High School in 1953 and completed his undergraduate studies at Northern Michigan University where he excelled in both football and track. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Central Michigan University. Rex began his teaching and coaching career in Marion, Evart and Cadillac, Michigan. At Evart his duties included not only coaching football, but also lining the field and driving the bus to the games. In 1966 he moved to Kingsford and taught K-12 Physical Education for the Breitung Township School District for 24 years. While there he coached football, basketball and girls track. Following his retirement from Breitung in 1990, Rex continued coaching football, tennis and girls track for over 20 years in the Iron Mountain School District. He was also involved in the North Dickinson football program. "Mr. T" worked endless hours with his track teams, holding practices on Saturdays and Sundays for those who wanted extra help. He treated all of his athletes with dignity and respect and always encouraged them to reach their full potential. He was a fierce competitor and strived to instill that spirit in others. Rex could be heard across the field yelling, "Let it go!" That seemed to be his mantra not only in sports but in how he lived every day of his life. Rex married Janet (Perla) Fontecchio on November 28, 1980 at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was an active member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford. He loved to dance and thoroughly enjoyed participating in Jukebox Memories for several years. Rex was inducted into the Northern Michigan University Sports Hall of Fame for football and track in 1992 and the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, playing poker and smear, hunting and had a true passion for fishing. Family was Rex’s number one priority and he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them. Rex is survived by his wife, Janet; five children, Wade (Rico Baca) Terwilliger of West Palm Beach, FL, Wayne (Kathy) Terwilliger of Armada, MI; Jodi Terwilliger-Stacey of Littleton, CO, Marisa (Randy) Bartels of Milton, WI, and Cristina (Zach) Thomas of New Albany, OH; one brother, Al (Myra) Terwilliger of Clausen, MI; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jimmy and Edye Stacey, Gavin and Grant Bartels, Zara and Zola Thomas; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Joseph and Jeane Perla, and a brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Moreen Terwilliger. Visitation will be from 2 pm until 5 pm Sunday, May 5, 2019 at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A brief prayer service will be held at 4:45 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 6 at 11:00 am at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford. Father Michael Woempner and Father Francis Dobrzenski will concelebrate the Mass of Christian burial. Interment will be in Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Rex’s memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Rex Terwilliger online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Rexford Terwilliger

May 21, 1935 - April 28, 2019