Terri Brieske

With a warm smile and compassionate heart, Terri Brieske lived a life rich in friendship, family, and service. She lived life on her own terms, and for most of her life, she was friendly, conversational, and enjoyable. Terri devoted her career to expertly helping others during times of great vulnerability. With an eye for the finer things, Terri enjoyed the gift of engaging conversation, a great meal, skilled architecture, and excellent photography. Though our days with her were far too few, Terri will long be remembered as a beautiful sister, aunt, friend, and professional.

In 1966, while the Vietnam conflict continued and racial tensions at home grew, the Rolling Stones sang Under My Thumb, the Beatles longed for Yesterday, and the Supremes reminded us that You Can’t Hurry Love. It was a year that found us donning shiny vinyl-infused clothes, and when miniskirts were the rage. Adam West’s Batman fought for justice, Star Trek explored new frontiers, and the race to put a man on the moon continued. As the nation set its eyes on a more hopeful future, nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the hearts and home of Donald and JoAnne (Robach) Welmerink as they adopted their infant daughter, Terri Lynn, who was born February 21, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Along with her older brother, Peter, Terri spent most of her growing-up years on Lake Michigan Drive, just down the big hill and a block from John Ball Zoo. Terri’s mother devoted herself to remaining at home and caring for the family while the kids were younger. She often brought them to local parks, the pool at Lincoln Park, the zoo, and the beach she so loved. Many wonderful memories were made at Kirk Park and Grand Haven Beaches.

Terri attended elementary school at St. Mary’s School. She was involved in ballet and the arts, participating in productions at school, Circle in the Park, and Civic Theater. She began her high school education at City High School before transferring to Union High School, where she was a good student and a pompom girl. Social by nature, Terri developed friendships during these years that lasted the rest of her life.

After graduating with the class of 1984, Terri became a model and moved to Canada for a time before settling in Chicago. After a few years, she tired of the pressures of modeling and found work for a furrier in Chicago. In time, Terri met Leo Brieske, and were married for 10 years before parting ways.

During these years, Terri attended Northwestern University Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctorate Degree and then began practicing law, primarily in family law. In 2018, she ventured out on her own and founded Brieske Family Law. Terri was well known for approaching each case with the goal of achieving an amicable settlement while providing unflinching advocacy for her clients. Terri very much enjoyed the big-city lifestyle and the nice things it offered. She also enjoyed sharing meaningful friendships with people who shared similar values, both in Chicago and in Grand Rapids. When she returned to Grand Rapids for the holidays or a visit, she often enjoyed a stop at the Circle Bar at the Amway Grand Hotel with her brother. She also loved architecture and old buildings, often seeking out unique buildings in Chicago to explore and photograph on walks. An animal lover, Terri enjoyed the special companionship of her cats in her later years: “Tiny Baby,” who was anything but tiny, and, most recently, Oliver.

As we celebrate Terri’s life, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of excellence forward. In each moment we confidently face life’s challenges, serve others with our talents, appreciate life’s finer things, choose our authentic path, and delight in sharing time with those we love, we keep Terri’s memory alive and inspire others as she inspired us.

Terri Lynn Brieske, age 60, of Chicago, IL, passed away April 27, 2026. Terri is preceded in death by her mother and step-father, JoAnne and Joe Snell, as well as her father, Donald Welmerink. Terri is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Peter (Jenny) Welmerink; nephews, Christopher, Matthew, and Aaron Welmerink; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Services will be announced for a future date.