Terry K (Graham) Kosanke

08-19-1949 to 12-08-2025

 

Born in Buckhannon, West Virginia, and baptized at St. Joseph’s Hospital on 08-24-1949. She was 3 years old when her family moved to Wheeling, West Virginia.

 

Terry attended St. Michael’s Grade School, graduating in 1964, and attended Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1968

 

In June of ’68, with her mom, 2 brothers, and dog, they drove to Tucson, AZ, in a non-airconditioned car where her oldest sister lived. Her dad came out ahead of the family to seek employment.

 

Terry worked at Rodewig and Ridgeway (colonels) drug store in Wheeling, W. VA. In 1967-68, and upon arriving in Tucson, she worked for the telephone company. She retired from AT&T in 1986.

 

She graduated from Apollo Medical College Nursing Assistant program in 1986 and worked at Park Villa Convalescent Center, assisted living facilities and home care until her retirement in 2001.

 

Terry married her one true love, Peter Kosanke, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on a very hot summer morning with no air conditioning on 07-08-1972. They were married by Pastor Silas Krueger.

 

Terry was confirmed at Grace on 02-09-1973 by Pastor Mark Hallemeyer.

 

On 04-24-1975, Terry and Pete were blessed with the surprise birth of twins Peter Gilbert Kosanke Jr and Jennifer Lynn Kosanke. Terry dreamed she was having twins, a boy and a girl, and they would be born a month early. God answered her prayers!

 

Terry is survived by her husband, Peter Sr, and children, Peter Jr (Heidi), Jennifer (DJ Miller), seven loving grandchildren, Jonathan Miller, Jacob Miller, David Kosanke, Emma Miller, Nathan Kosanke, Zachary Miller, and Laura Kosanke. She is also survived by siblings Jeff Graham, twin Jerry Graham (Patti Garcia), Mark (Aggie) Graham, 3 godchildren, in-laws Raymond (Daniele) Kosanke, and Jeff (Jody) Kosanke, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

She is predeceased by her parents, Wilfred & Kay Graham, sisters Winnie Ambrose and Judy Graham, Sandra Graham, wife of brother Allen, brother Allen Graham, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dr. Harold E. and Lucy Jo Kosanke.

 

Terry belonged to Grace alter guild, Women of Grace, In Betweeners, funeral/memorial fellowship committee, and a church greeter. She attended bible study and helped with the Roast Beef and Mexican dinners. She did care packages for the homeless, helped with Vacation Bible School, and St. Marcus Lutheran School of Milwaukee, WI.

 

Terry loved cross-stitch and needlepoint. Always kept busy babysitting the grandchildren, and she and Pete loved having them come over to the house and swim. A sleepover was always fun. Due to this, she and Pete had a wonderful bond with their grandchildren. She loved the White Mountains with many years going to Hawley Lake and then to Pinetop when the cabin was moved. Pete and Terry loved to go antique shopping while in Pinetop. 

 

A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please make a remembrance in Terry’s name to:

 

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Perpetual Memorial Fund

830 N. First Avenue

Tucson, AZ 85719

OR

Casa de la Luz Hospice

7740 N. Oracle Road

Tucson, AZ 85704