Terry Ray Sanftner passed peacefully in his home Friday, September 6, 2024 at the age of 54.

Terry was born in Kadoka, South Dakota March 9, 1970 to Leonard “Lenny” and Ruby (Buxcel) Sanftner. In 1971, his family moved to Cokato, Minnesota where he was raised and confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, attended Cokato Elementary and was a graduate of Dassel Cokato High School Class of 1988. While growing up he was a regular on the baseball diamond and enjoyed playing either shortstop or first-base positions. In the fall months football was his game of choice and as soon as Minnesota had a solid freeze, you could find him at the local skating rink playing a scrimmage or practicing for his next hockey game. Unfortunately, at the age of 14, Terry was injured in a car accident which resulted in paralysis to his lower extremities.

After high school, he moved to Minneapolis and attended Normandale Community College. For several years, he played wheelchair softball for The Saints, an affiliate of The Saint Paul Saints where he met many lifelong friends who had some of the same challenges and struggles. Terry also settled into a job he loved with PPL-Incorporated working in their Human Resources division where he was employed until his health would not allow him to continue. In 2018, Terry decided to move to Kadoka, South Dakota to be closer to his family.

Terry loved all sports, with football and hockey being his favorites. He would track stats and players from college into their professional careers. Terry was a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan and never missed a game. He also had the “gift of gab” and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. With those two traits, all who knew him best would joke that he missed his calling as a sports announcer. Terry also started a family and friends Fantasy Football League which he ran and organized for 10 years as the league Commissioner, it was something we all loved and looked forward to. He enjoyed fishing, a good hunt and was always up for an afternoon at the gun range which led to more stories at the end of the day.

Terry fought hard through all his challenges in life and will be missed by many. He is lovingly remembered by his mother Ruby Sanftner of Kadoka, SD; sister Tina Long of Choctaw, OK; nephew Ryder Sanftner and niece Tejai Sanftner both of Kadoka; his loyal, furry companion Ripley; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Leonard “Lenny” Sanftner; brother Tim Sanftner; paternal grandparents Leonard and Florence Sanftner; maternal grandparents Ruben and Irene Buxcel.

Card and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 243 Kadoka, SD 57543.

Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 25, at the Community Church in Belvidere with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will follow at the Belvidere Community Cemetery.