Roger Dennis Terrell
Roger Dennis Terrell (Most Awesomest Dude), was born in Wakonda, SD in 1944 and raised on his family farm south of town. He enlisted in the US Army in 1966, he was stationed in Bangkok, Thailand, as a Dental Assistant, completing his service in El Paso, Texas in 1969. He moved to Yankton, South Dakota, working in the local butcher shop during the day and running a Karate club at night. He met H.U. Lee, the head instructor of a Karate school in Omaha, NE, who became Roger’s mentor and instructor. In 1973, Roger moved his family to Lincoln, NE and opened the first TaeKwonDo school in town as a member of the newly formed American TaeKwonDo Association (ATA). Chief Master Terrell completed his career in the marital arts in 2016 as an 8th Degree Black Belt. Remarried again in 1998 and later developed a passion for PPCT training and instruction, became an avid competitor in handgun competitions, and became a Certified Concealed Carry Instructor.
Survived by his wife Linda Terrell, daughters Pennie Terrell and Shelley (Nick) Suminski, grandchildren Kane and Keisha Suminski, sister Elaine Kleinschmidt, and 3 nieces.
Roger joins his family in passing; son Scott Lee, daughter Kristi Lynn, mother Mary Terrell (Mossefin) and father John Terrell, nephews Wesley Kropuenske and Dennis Kropuenske, adoring aunts and uncles, and his beloved instructor Grand Master H.U. Lee.
Memorial Service on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Lincoln Berean Church, 6400 South 70th Street. Please use north entrance.
Memorials to K9s for Warriors (www.k9sforwarriors.org) or the Gary Sinise Foundation (www.garysinisefoundation.org)
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
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Condolences for Roger Dennis Terrell
Linda, we are very sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a big part of our boys lives, especially Joe’s, for many years. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Kathy and Jim Spitsen
Sooo sorry for your loss Linda and family! Roger was a great friend and loved a good joke, he was an even better shooter and had earned our respect and he deserved it! May you rest in peace and get our matches lined up and ready to go when we catch up with ya on the other side! We’ll miss ya! Dennis and Lisa Kirchhoff
I am so sad to hear of Rogers passing
I was one of his black belt instructors back in the mid 70s while attending college. He was very special and will be missed
We were so very sorry to hear of Chief Masters passing. I have many great memories of training with him thru the years. Rest now sir we’ll take it from here. Thank you for your knowledge and training
You will be missed by so many. Rest easy.
Master Terrell, has been such a great influence on so many people. He has inspired honor, respect, self confidence and integrity in his taekwondo students. He truly cared about everyone he met. He had a huge impact on all four of our children. Back in February, Joe and I had visited him. Joe told him what a difference he had made in his life and what a huge impact he had had on him. His legacy will go on in those he inspired and in the lives he touched. Roger Terrell, made a difference. Rest in peace sir. With great respect, Connie, Rory and Joseph Mueller.
A lot of years and a lot of memories. People pass on but Chief Master Terrell will be long remembered.
Our hearts are with you and your family during this difficult time. 🥋🖤
My deepest condolences to Linda and family. I had the honor to train many times and have many heart to heart conversations with Chief Master Roger Terrell. He has had a huge impact on me, my family and my students. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Troy Auman & Family
Sad to hear of Chief Master’s passing. He was one of the pioneers of the American Taekwondo Association. I have such fond memories of training with him under Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee. May his memory and Legacy live for many years to come. Much respect to my friend. Rest in heavenly peace Sir, Deep Bow.
With deep condolences and great respect. Thank you for your many years of great contributions to our martial arts community.
Grand Master Alan Pepin
Master Doug Blomker
and the instructors of the
International Combat Arts Federation
A donation will be given to the K9s for Warriors in memory of our dear friend.
Sorry for your loss of a love one. May peace be with him now. Prayers for the family. Darla Lanz
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Master Terrell. He was my martial arts instructor for a good 15 years as I explored Taekwondo. I remember him being a dedicated instructor and a good guy.
I also remember a phrase he had me say to myself whenever I felt like I couldn’t push myself anymore: “you’re not tired, you only think you’re tired.” I use that quote to this day when I feel like I’m up against something incredibly difficult and can’t go any farther.
Thanks Master Terrell, a final bow out:
I shall live with perseverance
in the spirit of Taekwondo,
having honor with others,
integrity within myself,
and self-control in my actions, sir…
Linda I am so sorry at the passing of your loving husband Roger. May you and his family find comfort knowing is is resting in peace.
Anne Pickel
I remember Master Terrell always coming over to the results table at tournaments. He would sit down with Laura and I and shoot the breeze. I would ask him how it was going and his response was always, “Every day is Christmas”. I learned a lot from him; not only martial arts stuff but life skills in general. He gave off that tough bear persona but was just a big teddy bear at heart. I will miss him.