A Guardian of the Outdoors and the People He Served
Lake Superior Lodge No. 67 | 44-Year Mason
Terry Lindholm was a proud graduate of Iron Mountain High School and honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps for four years. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to protecting Michigan’s natural resources as a Conservation Officer for the State of Michigan.
Terry was known for his unwavering commitment to helping others. One memorable example occurred during rifle deer season when two hunters approached him seeking assistance in finding their missing hunting companion. After conducting a lengthy search that extended into the night, Terry advised the men to resume their efforts the following morning. Wanting to ensure they were cared for, he brought them to our home to spend the night. The next day, after continuing the search, Terry successfully located the lost hunter late in the afternoon. Though tired, the man was safe and well. Acts of kindness and service like this defined Terry’s character. Anyone could count on him when help was needed.
Terry and I were married in 1970 and shared nearly 50 wonderful years together before he passed away just two months before our 50th wedding anniversary.
He was a devoted husband, a wonderful father to our son and daughter, and a man whose greatest joy was his family. His faith in God and love for family were the guiding principles of his life. To us, he was our “Jolly Green Giant” and the steady presence who made us feel loved, protected, and supported.
Terry was the love of my life, and I feel truly blessed to have been his wife. His legacy of service, strength, faith, and family devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Submitted with love by: Koni Lindholm
Our Man Terry – Published in the Ontonagon Herald in the 1970s
The Robin Hood Syndrome is to blame for illegal means of taking game. The violator receives no condemnation. The public regards him with adoration. Some try to avoid a confrontation with Terry from the Department of Conservation.
One violator had no notoriety or fame. The newspapers had never published his name until one night he wanted some trout real bad. Throughout the long winter there was none to be had. Rainbow trout can be served in many ways. You can smoke it, salt it, or fry fillets. The north had awakened from its long sleep. The snow is gone which was once piled deep. If he wanted some trout he should go out soon cause the rainbow run during the full moon. If he went out at night he wouldn’t be seen. He’d be all alone in the Middle Branch ravine. All through the ages men have sought a place well hid where they wouldn’t get caught while “Deeds of Darkness” were being done.
So he set out one cloudy night to catch a rainbow trout with net and light. He checked at the bars if the coast was clear. Terry allegedly was nowhere near. He descended one of the canyon walls a bit downstream below Agate Falls. He selected a likely spot where he’d be well hid and not get caught. He looked around but did not see Warden Terry behind a nearby tree. In the stream he played his light with a net in the other hand that night; when there was a confrontation with the man from the Department of Conservation.
“Twas Terry” dressed in forest green. He said “you know that it’s not right to catch a rainbow trout with net and light. I’ve caught you doing something you shouldn’t do. I’m fulfilling my duty in arresting you.”
When “Deeds of Darkness” are brought to light the violator’s, spirit was humble and contrite. He said “I’m surprised to see you here. I thought you were nowhere near. How did you know I was out with light and net? Someone tipped you off I bet.”
Terry said “Remaining silent is your right: you needn’t incriminate yourself tonight. Public counseling will be available if an attorney is not affordable. Remember that you have a date tomorrow with a magistrate. Plea bargaining will be to no avail. You may end up doing a stint in jail. It won’t help you one bit to lie; as the arresting officer I will testify how in the stream you placed your light with a net in the other hand tonight. You’ll get instant publicity, notoriety, and fame; the nature of offense, place and time.” The violator took off with a rush bounding like a deer through the alder brush hoping from Terry he could flee and thereby gain his liberty. You just don’t run up the canyon walls that line up the river below Agate Falls. His capture was a surety. Twas best to surrender peacefully. His friends all said “Now that’s a shame but he only had himself to blame. If he had fished with a hook and line he wouldn’t be paying a heavy fine. When to the south Terry sallies forth; that is when he should go north avoiding a confrontation with Terry from the Department of Conservation.
Written by: Toiro Karianen