Terry Earl Clay

Terry Earl Clay, age 79, of River Falls, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by those he loved at Abbott Northwestern Hospital on July 21, 2026. Terry was born on August 11, 1946, to Earl and June (Solum) Clay. A graduate of River Falls High School, Terry spent 44 dedicated years at Nor-Lake Inc. He began his career in the shipping department, where his coworkers nicknamed him "Buffy" because he was as strong as a buffalo, and he eventually retired as the Materials Manager. On August 19, 1978, Terry married the love of his life, Diane Bogdan. Together they built a life centered on family, welcoming their daughter, Jenny, on April 4, 1982. Terry was a remarkably kind and gentle man who lived for his family; his brother, Randy, was his best friend, and the two were inseparable. A devoted sports enthusiast, Terry was the Green Bay Packers' biggest fan. In the Clay household, the NFL Draft was practically a national holiday. Throughout his life, he played football, participated in broomball leagues, enjoyed shooting trap, and shared his knowledge by coaching youth football. He was also a celebrated baker, known for winning multiple Grand Champion ribbons for his breads at the Pierce County Fair. Terry often told the story of buying his first Harley Davidson motorcycle and needing his mother and Betty Morrow to haul it home because he had never ridden one before. He also had a lifelong appreciation for classic cars, especially his favorite 1968 GTO. Terry adored his uncle Jerome and all of the Solums. Some of his fondest memories were made at the Minnesota State Fair, a tradition he shared with his father Earl, Uncle Jerome, his brothers Tim and Randy, and Tom, Jerry, and John. He continued that tradition in his later years with his brother Randy. Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Clay; his daughter, Jenny Clay; and his brother, Randy (Kelly) Clay. He is further survived by Edna (Matthew) Lundeen, Steve (Anne Marie) Bogdan, and Grace Bogdan; nieces and nephews Jason (Chris) Powell, Michelle (Jeremy) Sylvester, Heidi (Ben) Hoeffler, Tim Lundeen, Alex Bogdan, and Rommel Bogdan; and great-niece and nephews Madisson Sylvester, Logan Sylvester, Matthew Hoeffler, and Zachary Hoeffler, along with countless dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and June; his brother, Tim; and his beloved uncle, Jerome Solum. A celebration of life to honor Terry will be held on August 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Ezekiel Lutheran Church, 202 S 2nd St, River Falls, WI. Lunch will be served at 1:00 PM.