Terry Burdette Osgerby, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, passed away at his home on June 5, 2025. He was 78 years old.
A memorial service for Terry will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
Terry was born on September 25, 1946, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, to Richard G. M. Osgerby and Bernice “Beanie” Mikelson Osgerby. A proud son of Spirit Lake, Terry grew up immersed in small-town values and the joy of athletics. He spent his early years playing sports, exploring the outdoors, and learning leadership and service through the Boy Scouts—experiences that helped shape the man he would become. He graduated from Spirit Lake High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He went on to attend Iowa State University, continuing his education and cultivating the passions that would shape his life and career.
On August 18, 1970, Terry married Marcia Elisabeth (Rensink) Osgerby in Phoenix, Arizona. Together they built a life filled with love and a shared commitment to their family and community.
Terry had a lifelong love for the Iowa Great Lakes area, where he felt most at home. It was on the Queen on West Lake Okoboji that he met Marcia, the woman who would become his wife. Some of their favorite times together were spent dancing at the Roof Garden—joyful nights that stayed with him throughout his life.
Terry dedicated over 30 years to teaching social studies and physical education at Spirit Lake Schools. He also served as a devoted coach for football, basketball, baseball, and track—impacting the lives of countless students and athletes with his wisdom, encouragement, and deep care. In 1986, he received a state award for Outstanding Secondary School Physical Fitness and Sports Program—an honor presented by the State of Iowa recognizing his significant contributions to youth fitness and athletics. Many knew him as “TBO” or “Coach O,” and to those names he answered with pride. He loved his family deeply—but he also had a profound love for the many athletes and students he coached and taught.
Terry was a proud Iowa State University alumnus, a member of the Iowa State Education Association, the Iowa Basketball Officials Association, and the Iowa Track and Field Coaches Association. He was also a long-standing member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Spirit Lake, where he found both faith and fellowship.
To his family, he was a brother, uncle, cousin, dad, and grandpa. Some of the things we will forever love about him were his uncanny ability to remember sports statistics from decades ago, the genuine connections he formed with people over the years, and the way he always seemed to be the subject of the best stories shared around the table. Terry was also known for his ornery sense of humor, strong opinions, and stubborn streak—a combination that made him both unforgettable and deeply endearing to those who knew him best.
Family time was sacred to Terry. Some of the most cherished memories came from summer road trips in the family van, adventuring through national parks with Marcia and their kids—camping, hiking, and soaking in the natural beauty of the country together.
A lifelong fan, Terry could always be found cheering on his beloved Spirit Lake Indians, Iowa State Cyclones, and Minnesota Vikings. Whether in the stands, on the sidelines, or in his living room, he supported his teams with unmatched loyalty and heart.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Elisabeth (Joe) Jennings of Spirit Lake and their children Caleb (Faith) and Hannah (Christian); his son Kerry Osgerby of Spirit Lake and his daughter Olivia; his daughter Alecia (Rob) Fagen of Urbandale and their children Lauren and Meredith; and his daughter Sara (Elijah) Cornell of Spirit Lake and their son Cael. He is also survived by his siblings Diane Jenkins and Michael Osgerby, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
There are far too many names to list—but Terry tried. He kept written lists of students, athletes, fellow coaches, coworkers, and friends who meant something to him over the years. His memory was long, his connections were genuine, and his legacy lives on in all those lives he touched.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Marcia; his infant sister, Karen Sara; his infant brother, Michael Burdette; his brother, Richard Charles “Dickie”; and his sister, Joan Leone “Joanie” Campbell.
Terry’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched—as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
