ISHPEMING, MI – Terry R. Millimaki, age 79, lifelong Ishpeming resident, passed away peacefully Monday, February 9, 2026 at Banner Gateway Hospital in Gilbert, Arizona surrounded by family.

Terry was born July 22, 1946 to Roy and Emily (Lehtinen) Millimaki. He grew up in Ishpeming and graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1964. Following high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam. After his military service, he began his long career with Cleveland Cliffs, retiring in 2004.

Terry loved fishing and hunting, and especially treasured time spent with family and friends at his camp on Mud Lake. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Tigers, and rarely missed watching a game. In recent years, he enjoyed playing and watching golf, and wintering in Arizona.

Terry is survived by his wife of 20 years, Sharon (Peterson) Millimaki; sister Connie (Robert) Snell of Anacortes, WA; sister-in-law Janet (Doug) Hendriksen of Ishpeming; children Jessica (Scott) Hebert and Eric (Rhonda Bennett) Millimaki of Ishpeming; step-children Lisa (Lane Johnson) Luokkala of Duluth, MN and Christa (John Hribljan) Luokkala of Omaha, NE; grandchildren Danielle (Jason) Rybaczuk, Nicole (Kyle) Long, Samantha (John Vance) Hebert, Neal Pawlikowski, Cassidee Kudis, Derek Kudis, Leona Luokkala, and Iris Hribljan; along with 6 great grandchildren, a niece and nephew, and multiple cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Emily Millimaki, and his first wife Michele (Ogea) Millimaki.

Terry will be cremated in Arizona and escorted home in the spring by the Patriot Guard Riders, a volunteer organization that transports deceased veterans and first responders across the U.S. with great honor. A celebration of life will take place in late spring or early summer, details will be announced at a later date.

Terry’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Banner Gateway Hospital for their wonderful care.