Terry “TJ” Jordan

Terry “TJ” Jordan, 76, of Rugby, North Dakota passed away July 5, 2026. He was born to Henry “Hank” L. Jordan and Mona V. Jordan (nee Sveum) on November 21, 1949. Terry grew up on the Sveum family farm before moving to Wisconsin in 1967. He began raising his family in West Bend and by 1979 made Rhinelander his longtime home.

In Rhinelander, Terry opened TJ’s Trailside on the Wisconsin River which is now known locally as the Jailhouse Saloon. The tavern business was his life; he was a hard worker, a familiar face behind the bar, a man who made many friends and collected more than a few stories along the way. Terry was easy going, fun-loving, and carefree. He had a passion for working hard, he played hard too and enjoyed his cocktails. Terry kept people smiling, loved socializing, and was always up for a great adventure.

Above all, Terry was unmistakably, Terry. He loved his family in his own way. Life wasn’t always perfect, and neither was he, but he always wanted his family together and usually wanted pictures to add to his collection. He loved his photographs; leaving behind countless snapshots of family, friends, celebrations, remodeling projects, ordinary days, and a life lived very much on his own terms.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mona, his brother, Larry, and his brother, Daryl.

He is survived by his six children, Randy, Sherry, Terry Jr., Zach, Tara, and Codi. He has fifteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Skye Grace Jordan, as well as family in North Dakota, California, and Texas, and many friends in Wisconsin, Arizona, and beyond.

Dad, aka TJ, we love you. We will cherish the memories and you will be missed. We’ll go on, as you always said, “living the dream.” Rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life will take place April 3, 2027 at 3 p.m. at The Jailhouse Saloon in Rhinelander.