Terrance James Haanen Jr.

Terrance James Haanen, Jr. was born in South St. Paul, Minnesota to Terrance Haanen, Sr. and Sandra Haanen (Rieger). He lived in various parts of the Twin Cities area in his childhood and graduated from South St. Paul High School. Shortly after graduation he spent many hours of his free time playing in a band with high school friends. He discovered his talent as a drummer when he was 19 years old, and this translated to a career as a professional musician in multiple groups. In addition to playing music he worked as an apprentice pipe fitter and as a florist. Proving that he could master any task he undertook, Terrance also had an extensive career as a house painter. He completed decorative painting projects for high end clients and formed a reputation for the quality of his work. 

Terrance battled major illnesses multiple times in his life. In 1996 and 1997 he was hospitalized for retroperitoneal fibrosis. He rallied and battled back. He faced dark times in his life and on January 3, 2010, he attained sobriety. Terrance dedicated himself to helping others in the recovery community and shared his personal story many times. There are many people who have been impacted by his feedback and encouragement. 

In 2012 Terrance began a relationship with Charlotte Gerth and they married on December 13, 2014. He began again to experience health concerns and in January 2016 he was found to have a benign brain tumor and cyst. Following surgery to remove these he tackled relearning how to walk. He was left with ataxia on the left side of his body but he persevered and worked to improve his strength. In March 2020 he was diagnosed with throat cancer and again he faced this head on and was told the cancer was cured. At this same time Terrance had been helping to care for his mother from the time of her husband’s death in 2014 to 2020. He provided extensive care for his mother as she had her own health issues and attended numerous medical appointments. 

The tumultuous times of 2020 and the compounding feelings of depression that he felt after multiple illnesses took a toll. The tension of many stressors impacted the relationship with his stepchildren and marriage to Charlotte. The two divorced in 2020 but remained connected. They were engaged to be married again in 2021. 

In 2021 Terrance made the decision to move to Los Alamos, New Mexico for a fresh start. He began a new career as a photographer. His work was highly regarded and frequently published in the Los Alamos Reporter. He also sold his work at galleries, various art and craft fairs, as well as his own online page. His work was also displayed and featured as an exhibit at the Fuller Lodge Art Center. He donated a substantial amount of his work to the Los Alamos Arts Council prior to his death. 

In August 2024 he was diagnosed with mesothelioma that was on one lung and in his stomach area. Unfortunately, the cancer in his stomach was too much and proved to be the last battle. Terrance is survived by his fiancée, Charlotte Gerth; his daughter, Eva; and stepchildren Lydia and Clayton Johnson, and brother Craig Haanen. He offered a bright light to this world and there is a void forever for all those he touched with his brilliance. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. 

A gathering for friends and family will be held at Rivera Funeral Home Chapel in Espanola, NM, on February 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. 

Rivera Family Funeral Home in Los Alamos, NM would like to thank the family of Terrance Haanen Jr. for their trust. (505)753-2288