Terry Wayne Koppang, age 71, resident of Fargo, North Dakota, died suddenly in a tragic vehicle accident on Friday, June 5, 2026. Terry was born to Talbert and Mabel Koppang on February 14, 1955 in Crookston, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Sand Hill Lutheran Church, rural Climax, MN. He went to Climax Public School and graduated in 1973. Terry was an excellent student, played basketball and was musically talented playing the trumpet and singing. He had key roles in the grade school operettas and in high school, played trumpet in a very the school's stage band that was great in the 1970-71 year. He played taps at various Memorial Day events. He was also a member of the Climax HS Boys Quartet. In 1970-71, the stage band traveled to Moorhead MN to hear the Stan Kenton orchestra and Bemidji, MN to hear the Don Ellis orchestra. That started his love for jazz. Favorite Stan Kenton songs were Terry Talk , their version of MacArthur Park and Final Analysis by Don Ellis.

In his high school summers, Terry did carpentry with his father who worked for the local contractor Ed Whitwer. After high school, he started a program in diesel mechanics at Moorhead Tech and worked at the I-29 Standard Oil Station owned by Ted Veen. He ended up working full time for Ted for many years and worked at FM Rental in Moorhead owned by Climax native Tom Christopherson. In 1998, Terry became a custodian at Eastwood Elementary in West Fargo until his retirement in 2021. He always tried to make the school a great place for the students and teachers alike.

Terry always attended his nieces' musical concerts and plays they performed in FM. Terry strongly supported the local music and arts community. He supported the FM symphony and loved going to music events and plays. He had some favorite musical pieces and was thrilled when they would play jazz standards or classic rock pieces at various music venues. He would make friends with people ranging from the waiters and waitresses, the musicians, the regular patrons and many politicians at these venues. He cared deeply about supporting politicians who cared for the common person.

Terry is survived by his three siblings, sister Jan Oberg, brother Roger (Lois) Koppang, brother Miles (Kerry) Koppang, his nephews and nieces including Lynette and Deanna, Kelly and Erin and Darby, his six great nieces and nephews Joshua, Boden and Natalia, Selina, Adyson, Caden, Sam and Madaline and his great great nephew Tyler. He is also survived by his uncle Allan Koppang and his aunts Carol and Virginia Haugen and many Koppang and Haugen cousins. More importantly, he will be remembered by his friends and acquaintances whom he had developed over the years. These included his fellow parishioners and pastors at his church Trinity Luthern, Moorhead and the many people whom he connected with at the various music and art events and the people who served him regularly at restaurants he would frequently attend.

Terry donated to numerous organizations and charities throughout his life and in lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice.

Service details are being finalized.