Terry Dempsey

Dempsey, Terence “Terry” M. age 91 died peacefully on September 2, 2023 surrounded by family. Terry was born in Henderson, Minnesota on February 17, 1932 to Mark and Mable Dempsey. He graduated from Henderson High School and went on to the College of St. Thomas where he participated in the ROTC program. Upon graduation in 1954, Terry completed flight training and was later stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. There he met his future wife, Janet Helm. Upon discharge from the Air Force, Terry remained in California and attended the University of California’s Hasting College of Law earning his law degree in 1962. He and Janet married in 1963 moved to Minnesota, settling in New Ulm. Terry joined the Somsen & Dempsey law office where he practiced until 1992. He worked as a public defender and was the New Ulm City Attorney for 10 years. In 1978, Terry was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives representing all or part of Brown, Cottonwood, Nicollet, and Redwood counties. He was re-elected six times eventually serving as minority leader. In 1992, he was appointed a district court judge for Watonwan County by Governor Arne Carlson.

Terry and Janet had one child, Matthew, but over the years had more than 15 foster children and eight foreign exchange students along with hosting numerous visitors from around the world. Terry along with Janet was active in more community groups that can be listed including Lion’s Club, Farm-City Hub Club, American Legion, Turner Hall, Boy Scouts, New Ulm Area Catholic Schools, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee. Terry was a member of the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards, Minnesota Combative Sports Commission, and the Minnesota Board of Aging. He served on the advisory committee that recommended the University of St. Thomas open a Law School and was named St. Thomas’ Distinguished Alumnus in 1997.

A life-long Catholic, Terry was a member of St. Mary’s parish. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dr. John (Marian) Dempsey and Jerome (Joanne) Dempsey, a sister Janet Ann (George) McWilliams, and a second sister, Colleen, who died in infancy. He is survived by his son, Matthew (Anne) and grandchildren Emma and Ethan of Bloomington, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm with visitation one hour prior at the church. As there was no public service for Janet when she passed, “An Irish Farewell” will be held for both Janet and Terry following the service from 1:00-4:00 pm at Turner Hall in New Ulm. All are welcome to attend.