Terry J. Husnik

Terrance J. "Terry" Husnik, age 77, of Sandstone, Minnesota, formerly of Forest Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on September 20, 1948, in Forest Lake, Terry was the son of Walter and June (Proulx) Husnik. He graduated from Forest Lake High School with the Class of 1966 and, shortly after graduation, began working at Pearson Candy in Saint Paul. It was there, family members liked to joke, that his lifelong sweet tooth truly began. Terry was never without a stash of candy, and his nieces and nephews could always count on him to have a treat ready to share.

For 43 years, Terry proudly referred to himself as a bachelor, content to let life unfold in its own time. Then everything changed when he met Joan Valla. Love found him when he least expected it, and he knew almost immediately that she was the one. They were united in marriage on May 9, 1992, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Forest Lake, where they began a life built on love, faith, and unwavering devotion to one another. Together, they welcomed three daughters into their family, each becoming a source of immense pride and joy.

Terry later worked for Safetran until the company relocated out of Minnesota. No matter where life took him, he remained a hardworking provider who quietly demonstrated his love through his actions. He wasn't a man who sought attention or recognition. Instead, he found fulfillment in caring for those he loved and making sure they had what they needed.

The outdoors was where Terry felt most at peace. Whether casting a fishing line into the water, sitting patiently in a deer stand, or gathering around a crackling campfire with family and friends, he appreciated the simple gifts of nature. He treasured the quiet hours of the morning, often rising before everyone else to slip outside and enjoy the stillness before the day began. Terry was comfortable in silence, finding peace in moments that many would overlook.

Those who knew Terry will remember his gentle spirit and kind heart. He was sentimental, compassionate, and an exceptional listener who made others feel valued and heard. He celebrated the accomplishments of those he loved, especially his nieces and nephews, taking genuine pride in each of their successes. For Terry, family was everything.

His greatest joy was his wife, Joan, and their daughters, Marissa, Teressa, and Kirsten. Watching them grow into remarkable women filled him with tremendous pride. When Kevin joined the family, Terry welcomed him with open arms as a son. Two years ago, his heart expanded once again with the birth of his granddaughter, Evalyn. Holding her for the very first time, Terry quietly expressed a hope that perfectly captured the kind of man he was: "We have to make the world a better place for her."

Though Terry will be deeply missed, the example he set will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His family will remember a man whose strength was found not in loud words, but in faithful love, quiet sacrifice, and countless everyday moments that spoke volumes.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and June Husnik.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Joan; daughters, Marissa (Kevin) Kourim, Teressa Husnik, and Kirsten Husnik; cherished granddaughter, Evalyn Kourim; siblings, Sam (Sandy) Husnik, Marykay (Mike Holgate) Husnik, and Michelle (John) Deters; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota, and one hour prior to Mass at the church. Terry will be laid to rest at Rosehill Cemetery in Hinckley, Minnesota.