Ishpeming – Terry J. Kordish, age 65, of 1160 Ninth St. Ishpeming went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at his home, and while in the loving presence of his wife and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice. He was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer in 2010, which he courageously battled until his death.

Terry was born September 8, 1946 in Detroit, MI to Bertha Hebert and his biological father, Oliver Shampine. His mother married Vince Kordish when Terry was three. The family then moved to Christmas, MI, and Terry attended school in AuTrain through the seventh grade and then attended the Mather High School in Munising through the 12th grade, graduating in 1964. He then joined the United States Navy: aviation branch and served in various squadrons as an Aviation Electronics Tech, including aboard the USS Hancock during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in Nov. of 1971 following a very close encounter with the Viet Cong while in Da Nang.

Terry met his current wife Paulette in Tennessee in 1974, and they were married on June 25, 1975. During this time he worked as an industrial electric motor repairman and machinist. Terry moved back to the Upper Peninsula in August of 1978, during which time he was employed by Cliffs Forest Products for several years. Terry then enrolled at NMU and completed both an Associate and Bachelor degree.
He was appointed as a Pastor with the United Methodist Church in 1992 and served in that capacity for nearly ten years. He was a current member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming. Terry was active in the Superiorland Emmaus Community for several years. Terry enjoyed the Green Bay Packers, Nascar, and his several trips to Branson, MO to see various shows, and was privileged to ride a Harley for a couple of years. Terry loved his pets that he had over the years.



Survivors include his wife Paulette Kordish of Ishpeming, two daughters, Janet (Mike) Demogola of Munising and Carol (Greg) Exelby of Munising, 4 grandchildren – Alissa, Brittney, Gabrielle and Nick, a half-sister Diane (Don) Woods of Washington State, an aunt Mary Kordish of Christmas, father-in-law – Marvin Wilson of McKenzie, TN, sister-in-law Rhonda (Don) Hawkins of McKenzie, TN, brother-in-law Bobby Wilson of Troy, TN along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Bertha and Vince Kordish, and a grandson Nathan Exelby.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 – 2:00pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming with a memorial service to follow officiated by the Rev. Scott Lindenberg. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #380 will perform military honors at the conclusion of the services.


A luncheon will follow the services in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be directed to the Wesley United Methodist Church or the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Terry's memory.

Terry's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.