Terry G. Ellinger

Terry Gene Ellinger

June 30, 1944 - Jan. 3, 2023

McCOOK, Neb. — Terry Gene Ellinger, age 78, of McCook, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 3, 2023, at his home, which was his own little piece of paradise.

Terry was born June 30, 1944, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to parents, Donald E. and Betty Lou (Fawcett) Ellinger. He was eldest of four children and graduated from Crestland High School in Early, Iowa, in 1962. He went on to attend Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa, on a full ride football scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

On Dec. 1, 1962, he married Mary A. Carnine. Together they had two children: Teresa and Todd.

While holding down a full-time job and having a young family with the support of his wife, Mary, he continued classes, studying for and passing his CPA exam. After living in Iowa, the family briefly lived in Littleton, Colo., finally moving and making their home in McCook in 1975 and eventually starting his own CPA firm.

He was a part member of the McCook Elks Club, Pheasants, and Quail Forever, APHA, AQHA, and many other organizations. Terry supported the local 4-H clubs, The Fox Theater, and McCook Community Hospital.

He loved spending time with family, friends, and his dogs that were constantly by his side. When you walked into his home, you could expect to be greeted by three excited labs, college sports, or a western on the TV, and the smell of something cooking. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying fishing, bird and big game hunting. He was a diehard Husker fan, even though he was born in Hawkeye country.

Those left to celebrate his life include his daughter, Teresa; son, Todd and wife Karyn; grandchildren, Alisha and husband, Jeromie, Shane and wife, Kamron, Kyle and fiancé Ambyr, and Emily and fiancé, Devin; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Conner, Riley, Rowan, Cason, Lukas, Kaia and Everlee; sisters, Tammy and husband, Mike and Toni Chancellor; sister-in-law, Becky Ellinger; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Terry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ellinger; brother, Tim Ellinger; and his nephew, Tate Ellinger.

Those wanting to make memorial contributions in Terry’s memory, please consider a local 4-H club of your choice or Nebraska Parks and Game Youth Lifetime Permits 2200 N. 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68503.

A casual book signing with family present to greet friends will be 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook.

Private family services will be at a later date.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.