Obituary of Therese Katherine Herter

Therese “Teri” Katherine Herter (nee Kuehn) passed away peacefully in Saskatoon, SK. on August 21, 2020 at the age of 83.

Teri is survived by her special friend and beloved dance partner, Mel Chiga; daughters, Tara (Rick) Ballantyne and Shelley Herter (Geoff Mulligan); as well as many loyal and devoted neighbours and friends. 

Teri was born in Winnipeg and raised in Regina. She attended Sacred Heart Academy where she became a frequent soloist in the school and church choirs. She loved to reminisce about time spent with her close friend, Eileen.

Teri left home at 19 to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, where she worked to identify and track aircrafts entering Canadian airspace. Teri’s small stature earned her the nickname of “Squirt” while her strong work ethic earned her the rank of Corporal. In later years, she enjoyed telling colourful and often hilarious stories about her five years of service and the friends she met there, including her good friend Kim, whom she exchanged Christmas cards with for at least 40 years after her discharge.

Teri left the Air Force to marry when she was 24 and went on to become a loving and creative stay-at-home mother. Once her two daughters were old enough, Teri joined the staff of Sears Canada to work in the housewares, music and credit departments for 20 years.

Teri loved to read, cook, crochet, swim, garden, and especially to dance. She and Mel “cut a rug” at the Saskatoon Elks Club and later the Saskatoon Legion for more than three decades. They both particularly loved to jive and to dance to the music of Harry Startup.

Although Teri’s health was declining for the past several years, she never lost her love of visiting, zest for life, or sense of humor.

Teri’s neighbors and friends were instrumental in enabling her to stay in the home that was her refuge, pride, and joy for the past 54 years. Teri’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Kevin and Sue, Mona and Grant, Tyson and Erin, and last (but in no way least) her dear friend Garry.

Teri’s family would also like to convey their sincere appreciation for the workers at Saskatoon Home Care (especially Glenda), the Veteran’s Village at Sherbrooke Community Centre (with special thanks to Faye, Shelly, Christie, and Penny), and Carla from the Saskatoon Funeral Home.

Teri specifically requested that no service be held for her but if anyone wishes to honour her memory, a donation to one of her favourite charities (The Canadian Cancer Society, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the World Wildlife Federation) is respectfully suggested.