Mayor Vanderwall's Obituary

Terry Gene Vanderwall died of cancer at his home on Sunday, January 6, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Elizabeth who died on January 6, 2003. Terry was born in Grangeville, Idaho on April 11, 1948, to Marion and Gertrude Vanderwall. Terry attended Grangeville schools and graduated from high school in 1966. Upon graduation, he attended Spokane Community College. After 2 years he transferred to the University of Idaho and graduated in 1971 with degrees in Elementary Education and Political Science.He married Mary Wagner on November 28, 1970.After college graduation, Terry worked on the family farm until 1982 when he became an insurance agent for Farm Bureau. Terry spent more than 30 years in public service. In 1978 he was elected to the Grangeville City Council. He was re-elected to that position until 1990 when he was elected mayor. Terry enjoyed golfing, working in his yard, and sports, especially Gonzaga basketball and Dodger baseball. His first love was farming and that was what he said he’d miss the most. Family was very important to Terry, especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was looking forward to the birth of his fifth grandchild due in May. He is survived by his parents, son Jason (Joanna) and their children Beniah and Caleb of Lolo, MT and son Mark, (Jessica) and their children Jacob and Bailey of Grangeville, brother Randy (Jean) of Grangeville, and sister Kristi (Jake) Jacobsen of Missoula, MT. He is also survived by his father-in-law John Wagner and brother-in-law Jim Wagner of Grangeville, and sister-in-law Margaret Wagner of Portland, OR. Terry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary on January 6, 2003. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 11 from 2-8 pm at Blackmer Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Grangeville Elementary School Gymnasium with Reverend Harold Gott officiating. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery. A reception will follow for family and friends at the Grangeville Elks Lodge. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Blackmer Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials be made to Syringa General Hospital Foundation in Terry’s name at 607 W. Main, Grangeville or to the scholarship fund that has been established for the Grangeville High School Youth Legislature program. The scholarship donations may be made at any Sterling Savings bank in Terry’s name. Send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.