Terry Fiedler, Star Tribune journalist, dies at 47

Award-winning Star Tribune journalist Terry Fiedler, 47, died unexpectedly Saturday at the Deephaven home of his girlfriend, Kelli May. They had planned to shop later in the day for an engagement ring.

Results of an autopsy were not yet available on Sunday.

Fiedler, of Afton, spent most of his career in the Twin Cities as a business editor and writer. He joined Corporate Report Minnesota as an associate editor in 1986, rising to editor four years later.

In 1996 Fiedler joined the Star Tribune, where his stories frequently were honored by the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

"Terry had tremendous passion for the profession," said Lee Schafer, a longtime friend and a former Corporate Report colleague. "He was a terrific leader who gave you the sense that what you were doing was important and special."

Colleagues said that Fiedler reinvigorated Corporate Report, judged annually during his tenure to be one of the best regional business publications in the country. Schafer said Fiedler inspired his staff by having them read aloud selections from classic literature because "we should know what great writing was."

At the Star Tribune, Fiedler profiled many high-profile CEOs and broke stories on subjects ranging from medical devices to commercial real estate. He also wrote investigative pieces, including those on the collapse of motorcycle maker Excelsior Henderson and the stock scheme that sunk the Stockwalk Group.

Star Tribune Managing Editor Scott Gillespie described Fiedler as "a very thoughtful, dedicated journalist. He was happiest when he was doing deeply reported and important stories that would surprise readers."

Star Tribune Deputy Business Editor Eric Wieffering, who also worked with Fiedler at Corporate Report, called him "a gifted editor, an inspirational leader and steadfast colleague."

Born in Hudson, Wis., and raised in nearby River Falls, Fiedler graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with degrees in journalism and economics.

Friends and family members said his passions included golfing and following the Green Bay Packers. An avid reader, he was a frequent book reviewer for the Star Tribune.

Fiedler doted on his nephew and seven nieces, said his brother Kevin, of Afton, and joined them for activities ranging from baking cookies to taking fishing trips.

In addition to his brother Kevin, Fiedler is survived by his parents, Jerry and Norma, of Grantsburg, Wis.; and brothers Tim, of Eden Prairie, and Kraig, of Grantsburg. Times for services, to be held in Grantsburg, have not been set.

jtevlin@startribune.com • 612-673-1702 dcrybak@startribune.com • 612-673-4996