Terry C. Albert, 88, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away February 4, 2026, at Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge, IL. He was born January 28, 1938, in Sturgeon Bay, WI, to Elmer and Myrtle Albert.
Terry Albert, a lifelong lover of craftsmanship, curiosity, and connection, passed away surrounded by the legacy of a life well-lived. Born and raised in Door County, Wisconsin, Terry grew up along the shores of Sturgeon Bay, not far from the Peterson Shipyard. As a young boy, he was known as a bit of a mischievous rascal, yet remained balanced by a deep grounding in sports, friendships, and family. Terry spent much time fishing for perch and observing operations at the Sturgeon Bay stone quarry, which was owned and operated by his father. He was fascinated by the machinery and the process of breaking and moving stone. These early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for all things mechanical, including boats, trains, aircraft, automobiles, and motorcycles. Terry admired not only how things worked but the beauty and intention behind their engineering.
As a teenager, Terry worked in the Door County cherry orchards, a job he often recalled as demanding but worthwhile—especially since it fed his enduring love for sour cherry pie. Being close to Green Bay, Terry attended Packer games in the 40s and 50s beginning a devotion that would last his lifetime. He graduated from Sevastopol High School in 1956 and remained closely connected to many classmates, faithfully attending reunions and cherishing those lifelong friendships.
Following high school, Terry attended the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts and a minor in Speech. After graduating, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, and obtained his State of Illinois teaching certificate. Terry taught Industrial Arts and Driver’s Education. During this time, he became a season ticket holder for the Green Bay Packers and attended many games at Milwaukee County Stadium, proudly watching the team dominate the 60's and win the first two Super Bowls.
In the mid-1960s, Terry met Mary Grace “Tracy” Brausch at Chances R Bar in Chicago. Tracy, also a teacher, matched Terry’s wit and warmth, and the two quickly fell in love. They were married on September 25, 1965, at St. Norbert Parish in Northbrook, Illinois. True to form, their honeymoon began with a Green Bay Packers game in Milwaukee before continuing on to Mackinac Island, Michigan. They soon settled in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
A man of many passions, Terry earned his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying Cessna aircraft. He also joined a hot-air balloon club and took great pleasure in ballooning. His love for all things mechanical and miniature led him to create Albert Hobbies, a side business through which he sold model boats, planes, and LGB, Lionel, and Märklin trains. For nearly 30 years, Terry delighted in attending vintage toy and train shows as a vendor, building layouts, meeting fellow enthusiasts, and sharing his joy for trains with people of all ages.
Terry and Tracy began their family in 1970 and later moved into a mid-century modern home in Deer Park, Illinois. Terry transitioned from teaching into the corporate world, working as a facilities project manager at Baxter Laboratories, where he oversaw major building projects, including a plant in Culebra, Puerto Rico. He later worked for S&C Electric and Northern Telecom. The family eventually relocated to Kildeer, Illinois.
Terry was an avid tennis player, and the family joined the Farmington Bath and Tennis Club, where he played in men’s and mixed doubles leagues. He introduced his children to tennis at a young age, and the tennis and swim community became a second family to the Alberts for many years. In Kildeer, Terry built an impressive train room, filling much of the basement with an elaborate layout. Later, he and Tracy moved to Lake Barrington Shores, where he continued playing league tennis and expanding his train collection.
Terry embraced life’s pleasures fully. He loved attending the Chicago Auto Show, the Oshkosh Air Show, and the Chicago Air and Water Show. He enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, and golf. He had an eye for elegance—favoring Corvettes, Mustangs, and convertibles—and believed champagne belonged at every celebration. His favorite meals included lobster, a rare filet, and always soup. He admired Frank Lloyd Wright–style architecture, especially Fallingwater.
Travel brought Terry great joy. Favorite destinations included Jupiter Beach and Palm Beach, Florida; Monterey, California; and Maui, Hawaii—though Door County always held his heart. In retirement, he traveled internationally, enjoyed cruises, and fell in love with Portofino, Italy; Bruges, Belgium; the south of France; and Monaco. He also enjoyed substitute teaching and volunteering at Master’s golf tournaments at Kemper Woods.
After Tracy passed away, Terry lived with his son's family in Grayslake, IL. He built a new train layout for his remaining collection in his new basement that he fondly called his "Man Cave." Terry will be remembered for his kindness, humor, determination, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. A gifted storyteller and loyal friend, he filled every room with his presence, and his absence will be deeply felt.
He is survived by his children, Tricia Kearns (Eric) and Todd Albert (Aubrey); his five grandchildren, Kaley Kearns, Breanna Albert, Eric J. Kearns Jr., Riley Albert, and Dylan Albert; his brother Bill Albert (Sharon); his sister MaryAnn Hein (Stan); and many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Tracy, and his brother John.
A private celebration of life will be held later this spring.
