09/01/2026
Terry was a true friend and champion of Sparta Youth Hockey.
Time and again, Terry and his Family opened the doors of The Zone Sports Bar and Grill to host our fundraising events, never hesitating to give our association a place to gather and grow. If you remember a few years ago, he generously donated our scoreboard - a gift our players and families see and benefit from every single time they enter the rink.
Terry believed in our kids, our community, and the value of youth programs in Sparta. He backed that belief up year after year, inviting us, and others, to host events at The Zone.
On behalf of every player, parent, coach, and volunteer who has been touched by his kindness and generosity, thank you, Terry. You will be deeply missed.
Terry M. Bjorkman, 66, of Sparta passed away on Monday, August 31st, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 25, 1959 to Wallace and Delores (Pfaff) Bjorkman, in Bangor. He grew up in Bangor and when he was younger showed rabbits, traveling all around with them. He enjoyed sports from a young age playing several before graduating from Bangor High. He was awarded ‘Best Running Back’ and still holds the school record in hurdles.
After graduation, Terry tried his hand at a few jobs when he started to work and found his niche as the owner of Terry’s Water Hole. He enjoyed meeting new people, serving up a smile and making people laugh as he went about his busy days running this business. In the mid 90’s Terry built himself a hideout; Terry’s Hideout, that he owned for almost 30 years, also was once an owner of The Leon Pit Stop and The Sports Page before his last purchase in 2005 when he bought The Zone Sports Bar & Grill. Terry has always enjoyed working with people, especially helping families celebrate special occasions. During his business ownership time, he was an active member of the Chamber and the Monroe Country Tavern League.
One of the ways Terry will be remembered for making an impact on the community is all the ways he volunteered to help so many groups and organizations by hosting fundraisers. He also sponsored little league teams for the local Park & Recreation department, local travel sports organizations as well as sponsoring adult sports teams. From paying for t-shirts, to entry fees and beyond, his generosity helped so many others in our community have the opportunity to enjoy the same sports he loved.
While Terry was always a sure thing for a sports team that needed sponsorship, often that was because one of his children was participating. Nothing made Terry happier than supporting all four of his kids. There is absolutely no way to measure the amount of time he & Crystal spent juggling schedules to watch their children compete in sports & activities they loved. Anyone that knew Terry, knows that his family was the center of his life. He adored his wife Crystal and the life they built together with their children. He enjoyed being a Dad above all else.
In addition to being a proud Dad, he enjoyed gambling and trips to Laughlin and Las Vegas. He loved to play and host poker games. He was an avid Brewer, Twins, Badgers and Vikings fan and made many trips to cheer on the teams he loved. He also organized many ways for others in our community to enjoy sporting events with bus trips.
For those who knew him best; they’ll always remember his favorite one-liners, “see you in the movies”, “right with eversharp” or “that’s life in the big city”. We’ll remember his love for sweet treats and how he always had salt with him. We’ll forever remember his warm smile and how he made our community better by giving of his time & energy. He was a builder of community in the way that he made everyone feel welcome where he was. He was lovingly known as Dad, Big Man, Ter Bear, King Pin & Boss Man and will be deeply missed.
Terry is survived by his wife Crystal; children Tyler (Madasen), Cody (Chesny), Gabrielle and Tanner; sister, Vicky Johnson; in-laws, Robert & Barbara McCoy; brothers-in-law, Lucas, Jacob and Kyle McCoy; along with many very special nephews and nieces, and other relatives; and an immeasurable amount of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Judy and Shelley; and brother, Scott.
A Memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Burial will be at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be at The Zone in Sparta, following the service.
A Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
