Tearle (Terry) List was born on November 5, 1943, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota, to Peter and Bernice (Lynum) List. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton. Terry attended Yankton Public Schools and graduated from high school in 1962. Afterward, he attended the University of South Dakota and subsequently joined the Marine Corps, where he served for four years. Following his military service, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of South Dakota in Springfield.
Tearle married Dorothy (Dot) Prewitt at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton on May 30, 1971. He later earned a Master’s in School Administration from Wayne State College. Over 46 years, he worked as a teacher and administrator in Nebraska and South Dakota before retiring in 2004. After retirement, he moved to Gold Canyon, Arizona, before returning to Nebraska to live in Lincoln.
In 1996, Tearle received the Nebraska Principal of the Year award and was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for his contributions to volleyball.
Tearle will be deeply missed by his family and friends, especially by his wife of 53 years, Dot, who resides in Lincoln, NE. He is survived by two daughters, Tiffany List from Lincoln, NE, and Jeanan North, married to Chris North, and has a son, Nathan, living in Lincoln, NE. Tearle also leaves behind twin sons, Jacob and his wife Monica, and their children Vienna, Alora, and Maddox from Barrie, Ontario, Canada. His other son, Joel, and his wife, Leslie, have two daughters, Lilly and Jaiden, who live in Denver, CO.
Additional family members include his sisters: Illa Torgerson of Sioux Falls, SD; sister-in-law Kathy List of Yankton, SD; and Roxanne and Dennis Lagerlof, as well as Kerrin Larson Einrem, both from Sioux Falls, SD. He is also survived by family members Emmett and Alice Prewitt of Brandon, SD, Patty and Rich Niles of Burke, SD, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tearle was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Darwin, his mother-in-law Alice Prewitt, his brother-in-law Dolan Torgerson, and his nephew Robert Young. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 31st,2024 at 10:30am at St Mark’s United Methodist Church (8550 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, NE)
6 thoughts on “Tearle “Terry” List”
We will all miss you dad. You were the best husband, father, and grandfather. You loved so many people and were a great role model for us all. We will see ya when we see ya!
So sorry for your loss. Terry was an awesome person and educator! May God wrap you in his loving arms and give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Keep all the wonderful memories close to your hearts!
Dear Dot and family.
You have my deepest sympathy. I will keep you in my prayers.
Betty Widoe
Dot, I am so sorry to hear of Terry’s death. My boys and I remember your family at St. Pauls in Ogallala. We pray for peace and comfort for you at this difficult time. Feel free to contact me if you want. Marcia
I send my sympathy to Tearle’s (Terry) family. I did not know him well as I was 10 years younger, but knew the List family well as part of the St John’s congregation…and grew up was confirmed and graduated YHS with Sister Roxanne.
Prayers for your family. Terry was a great guy and will miss him!