Terry Pokela Memorial Slide Show

In memory of Terry Pokela
Jun 24, 1939 - Dec 2, 2025

Terence “Terry” Pokela, age 86, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, surrounded by loving family. Terry was born June 24, 1939, in Virginia, Minnesota, the son of John and Pearl (Takala) Pokela.

Terry spent many years of his childhood in Rock, Michigan, until 7th grade when the family moved to Chassell, Michigan. Terry graduated from Chassell High School in 1957, then attended the University of Michigan where he played baseball and earned his degree in biology, a certificate in education, and a master’s degree in education administration.

Terry married Sheryl “Sherrie” Peffers on January 31, 1970, in Chelsea, Michigan. Throughout their almost 56 years of marriage, Terry and Sherrie enjoyed playing cards with friends, visiting family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Wisconsin in the summers (especially on Pokela family reunion years), and attending their daughters’ and grandkids’ many sports and school activities.

Terry started his teaching career in 1961 in Dexter, then moved on to Chelsea High School and then to Huron High School, where he taught for 31 years, retiring in 2001. Terry was a celebrated biology teacher and wore a suit coat and tie every day, showcasing his professionalism and dedication to his career. Throughout his years as a teacher, Terry participated in Science Olympiad as a judge, Caretakers of the Environment, coached basketball at Chelsea High School and JV baseball at Huron High School, and was chairman of the Huron High School science department. Following retirement after 40 years of teaching, Terry spent many years reading and evaluating student application essays for the University of Michigan.

Terry dedicated many years of his adulthood to gardening, with a special focus on dahlias. His gardens were a fantastic sight to see at their peak. He could always be found in the greenhouse or in the garden on a spring or summer day, or cataloging his over 200 varieties of dahlias in the off‑season. His dahlias were a special addition to his daughter Kiirsa’s wedding and were cut from the garden and driven across the state the morning of the ceremony. Terry also enjoyed reading and was an avid follower of U of M athletics, often attending football, basketball, and baseball games. Terry enjoyed socializing with friends and family at Knight’s Steakhouse where he was a regular for many years. Terry always had a special place in his heart for his many cats, dogs, and other pets throughout his life, and instilled a love of animals in his daughters and grandkids. In addition, the pride in his Finnish heritage ran deep and he enjoyed talking about his roots to anyone who would listen, and he maintained a healthy level of sisu until the very end. Terry was a great conversationalist and strived to find connections to his world with anyone, anywhere. A highlight of Terry’s life was his time playing basketball at Chassell High School, where he was an integral member of the teams that won three consecutive state titles.

Remaining to cherish Terry’s memory are his wife, Sherrie; children, Kiirsa (Peter) Pokryfke and Karina (Jacob) Shaughnessy; grandchildren, Emilia Rae Pokryfke, Aili Pearl Shaughnessy, and Evan Patrick Pokryfke; sister, Linda (Dave) Vertanen. In addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and beloved pets Tuuli, Jussi, and Raimo.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pearl Pokela; sister, Constance (Connie) Nerg; nephew, Charles (Chuck) Nerg; and several cherished friends.