Service Details
A Memorial Celebration will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Racine – Teresa “Terri” Lee Both, age 63, passed away unexpectedly at home on March 5, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Terri was born in Milwaukee, WI on May 9, 1959 to the late John “Jack” B. Leyer and Clarice Ann (nee: Jacoby) Sklba. She attended St. John Nepomuk, St. Edward’s, and graduated from Washington Park High School. On October 3, 1987 in St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Terri was united in marriage with the love of her life, Melvin “M.J.” Jon Both.
Terri was employed early on in life at a local Open Pantry where she met and fell in love with her soon to be husband. Later on in life she worked for Walker Mfg and Black Dot Group as a catalog compositor, and was pleased to learn that her artwork is still used to this day. Terri had many hobbies, most of them involving her competitive personality and love for card games. She was notorious for picking light and winning impossible hands at Sheepshead, and was a fierce opponent from across the cribbage board. She found much joy when her son’s friends would come over for board game nights, and loved to hear the banter and laughter that ensued. Terri also enjoyed her spontaneous road trips with family to view the country side, and loved capturing images of dilapidated barns for their “texture”. Most recently, she found a hobby in crocheting, which she enjoyed tremendously. Terri had such an incredible and beautiful personality, and had a knack for making friends with just about everyone she met.
Surviving are her loving husband of almost 35 years, M.J.; their sons, Aaron and Kevin; step-mother, Colleen Leyer; brothers & sisters, Kathleen (Paul) Pflieger, Gary Leyer, Dr. Gregory (Michelle) Leyer, Janel (James) Carter, Gene (Sam) Meredith, B.G. US ARMY; Robb (Becky) Meredith, Christopher (Stephanie) Sklba and Dayvyd (Cindy) Sklba; sister-in-law, Marylee Hetland; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Terri was preceded in death by her step-father, Bill Sklba; and by M.J.’s parents, Melvin L. and Eleanor Both.
A Memorial Celebration will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the many medical care givers on her healthcare team from Ascension, Aurora & Mayo Clinic, who became such good friends of hers. We are truly appreciative of the caliber and quality of care that she received along the way.
Mary and Dick Gales says
RIP Terri! You were an incredible friend. I will remember all of the laughs and the many card games we played.
Alan Liebl says
Mel, So very sorry to hear of the loss of your wife Terri. You and your family are in my prayers
Sklba's in GA says
We wish we could be there with the family. We love you all and miss you.
Mary Huck says
Terri was one of the kindest women I have ever met. I met her when she married my friends brother. Even throughout her recent health struggles she always had a smile when I saw her. Thankful she is out of pain but so sad that she is gone. Thinking of the family as you all go thru this.
Sue Bertovich says
Hello, although I didn’t know Terri personally, I am good friends with Mary Lee, and she told my many good stories of her times with Terri.
Just from looking at Terri’s picture…that smile on her face tells me she was a joy to have in your family and to her friends.
My deepest sympathies and keep all the memories of Terri in your heart. ❤
karen flatley says
Terri’s family is a force of nature I now they will miss her terribly as I will. For many years she has been one of those people you want to tell something. Now there’s a whole. Gonna miss her. Love to the family the whole family
Anonymous says
I am sorry Melvin.
Darvin & Angela Carter says
Such a sweet spirit. It was a pleasure meeting.
Rest in Heaven
Joan Harwell says
To the entire Both and Leyen families, my sincerest condolences .
Terri was always such a bright light in the room with her beautiful
Smile. So glad I was able to see her the last couple of years. Love and prayers for peace and comfort,
Jim & Maureen Lown says
We remember Terri as assisting the marketing director at Walker Mfg. and later with the Black Dot group. She was very talented, sunny, and always fun to be around. Many decades later and the memories are still fresh. May she rest in peace and may your family be comforted by God and her many friends.
Michelle Peterson says
So glad we reconnected over emails and birthday cards, Terri had a great sense of humor
and such a sweet person-I will really miss her.
Steve and Cheryl Janus says
Our love, support and condolences. Heavenly father has her now. ♡
Anonymous says
RIP dear friend. Thank you for all the fun and laughter at card games and tournaments. You will be greatly missed.😘
Cindy SKovsted says
Rest in peace my dear friend. Thank you for all the laughs and fun at card games and tournaments. You will be greatly missed😘
LeAnn Oertel says
Mel, my condolences to you and your family
Karyn Heegeman Dexter says
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May God be with you all and give you strength, comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of this wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend. RIP 🙏 You are missed!