Terry Allan (Cha/Uncle Tooty) Martinson, Jr., age 57, died during an epileptic seizure in his home. He was born to Terry Allan, Sr., and Nancy (Ostman) Martinson on May 16, 1968, and he died on February 16, 2026. 

Terry attended Mt. Iron and Mt. Iron-Buhl Public Schools. One of his classmates gave him the nickname “Cha” based on a character named Cha-Ka from a 1970’s TV series name Land of the Lost. Terry and his Class of 1986 were the first graduates of MI-B. 

Terry was a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout, and in 1986 he earned the honor and obtained the Boy Scouts of America’s highest and most prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. 

After graduation, Terry entered the U. S. Navy. He proudly completed Basic Training and Naval Submarine School. His specialty involved maintaining nuclear warheads. Although officially there were no nuclear subs present during the first Gulf War, Terry was proud to have been a combat veteran for our great country during Operation Desert Storm. Shortly after leaving the Navy, the seizures started and never left for more than a couple of months at a time. Even more notable than the profound impact this had on his quality of life was his utter lack of self-pity and complete lack of complaint. Terry was a member of American Legion Post 220 of Mountain Iron for many years. He served in their Color Guard with his Dad and then with many other faithful veterans. Terry has been Commander of this Post for several years, and was also the House Committee Chairman, a bartender, and the Janitor at the time of his passing.

By the time of his honorable discharge, Terry was an uncle. As a toddler, his first niece's name for him was an adoring and enthusiastic “Unca Tooty!” And he answered this new nickname with pride and humor. 

Terry was baptized at Messiah Lutheran Church of Mt. Iron and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Virginia. Terry worshipped the God of all Creation best during his time in nature, sometimes with his best buddies and often alone. Terry hunted with both bow and rifle and fished in every season. Terry ate everything he caught, and it all tasted delicious under his preparation. For many years, Terry and friends fished the opener in the B.W.C.A. Terry also put countless miles walking in every direction from his home. Terry knew the best local spots for berries. He gifted his Mom enough blueberries every year for a pie and then some.

Throughout his entire life, Terry displayed a giant sense of humor (sometimes inappropriate) and an extremely quick wit. His favorite comedian was George Carlin. Terry appreciated music and taught himself to play the harmonica and guitar.

Terry was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father Terry Sr., and his great-nephew Jax Anthony Lanz.

His loved ones include his mother: Nancy Martinson of Virginia; sisters: Tracy (David) Kenyon of Chisholm and Tammy (Robert Clement) Martinson of Silver Bay; brother Troy (Beth Haugen) Martinson of West Eveleth; nieces and nephews Chelsy, Morgan, Jordan, Raquel, Shania, Kianna, Carter, Xander, and Averie; many great-nieces and nephews; a large extended family; best friends Keith Bechtold, Curt Piri, Barry Rosier, and all the officers and patrons of the Mt. Iron Legion. 

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 28, at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home of Virginia. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., with the service at 11:00. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 220 of Mt. Iron. Terry’s cremains will be interred this Summer in a private family ceremony at the MN State Veteran’s Cemetery - Duluth.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.  To share condolences online, please visit:  www.baumanfuneralhome.com.