Terry L. Ochsner, 74, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away May 4, 2022, with his family by his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Terry was born in Grant, Nebraska, on April 6, 1948, to Robert and Ruth Ochsner (Stout). He was the oldest of five children, and they grew up working on the family farm. He graduated from Perkins County High School in 1966 where he participated in sports including football, basketball, and track, as well as musical activities. He was awarded a Regents Scholarship to the University of Nebraska where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree with honors in Physics in 1972.
Terry married Teresa Sides in 1973 and they had one daughter, Jennifer, and twin sons, Andrew and Adam. Terry was involved with scientific instrumentation throughout his career, first as analytical chemist for a veterinary pharmaceutical company, Norden Laboratories, then with several instrument companies where he became involved in the sales and marketing of analytical instruments. He worked for Hitachi Instruments for 14 years, rising to the position of Vice President and General Manager of their Life Science Division in North America. Later he founded a company, NanoChrom, LLC, to represent and consult with start-up instrument companies regarding sales and marketing strategies.
Upon his retirement Terry became involved with and very much enjoyed Toastmasters, an organization devoted to public speaking. Terry was an avid reader and took great pride in his grilling abilities. Terry loved being involved in music activities with his son, Andy going to outdoor concerts, checking out new bands, and playing guitars. He particularly enjoyed blues guitar. For the past 20 years the hobby that gave Terry much pleasure was designing and building guitar amplifiers. Terry's greatest joy was his grandchildren. He loved going to school activities, helping with school projects, attending all of their sports games especially soccer, and most of all, simply just being with them.
Terry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Teresa; his 3 children, Jennifer Ochsner (Michael Gilbert) of Camas, Washington, Andrew Ochsner of Vancouver, Washington, Adam Ochsner (Janice) of Georgetown, Texas; 4 grandchildren, Henry Gilbert, Kate Gilbert, Olive Gilbert, and Ethan Ochsner; his mother, Ruth Ochsner of Grant, Nebraska; sister, Janie Colglazier (Cliff) of Grant, Nebraska; brothers, Randy Ochsner (Cheryl) of Hastings, Nebraska, Rick Ochsner (Jackie) of Grant, Nebraska, and Rob Ochsner of Ogallala, Nebraska; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Robert Ochsner.
A family memorial is being held in Vancouver, Washington, on May 28, 2022. Family graveside services and interment of ashes will be held at Morning View Cemetery in Wallace, Nebraska, on June 25, 2022.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant assisted the Ochsner family.