Terrel Selke

Terrel "Tedi" Selke opened her eyes to Paradise on Friday, May 11th, 2018 from her daughter's house in Zeeland, Michigan surrounded by family. It was a glorious birthday present to her husband to see the end of her suffering from an aggressive cancer. Tedi, daughter of Wendell Hardy "Tom" Perkins and Shirley Kromer Perkins, was born August 18, 1947 in Ames, Iowa. She graduated from North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Then, she went on to obtain an Associate's degree in Art from Columbia College and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1969. She married Robert Karl "Bob" Selke on July 11, 1970 in Indianapolis, Indiana. As a United States Air Force wife, Tedi moved over fourteen times before settling in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan in 1990. As a skilled watercolor artist and signature member of the Watercolor Society of Indiana, Tedi exhibited in many art shows and galleries around the country including the Indianapolis Museum of Art. One of her paintings was given as a gift to then Vice President George H.W. Bush. For many years, she was an adjunct art professor at Lake Superior State University and she regularly taught art classes for the community. She had a gift for teaching others to enjoy God's beauty in the world through watercolor painting. In addition, Tedi was a long-time member of Alberta House Gallery Board. Tedi's legacy of kindness, faith, and empathy is generational. She was gifted with a special faith in Jesus Christ. Her children, grandchildren, and someday great-grandchildren will continue to enjoy and instill the blessings resulting from her loving nature, giving character, and the warm home she provided. She is survived by her husband Bob, her brother Thomas (Michele) Perkins, her three children: Lisa (Shane) Strutz, Kate (Ryan) Harmon, and Karl (Amy) Selke, and her nine grandchildren (Amber, Emma, Madeline, Kayden, Jason, Ian, Daniel, Ronnie, and a baby on the way). She is also survived by her Aunt Susie Kromer (Bob) Bortz of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, her Uncle Dr. Charles (Jean) Kromer of Waverly, Iowa, and her Uncle Richard Anhalt of Waverly, Iowa. Tedi was preceded in death by her parents and an unborn infant child. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1600 Park St. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Fellowship will directly follow the service. A Burial Service will be held at a future date at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Alberta House Art Center, 219 Ferris Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 would be appreciated. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Terrel "Tedi" Selke please visit our Sympathy Store.