Henry Ter Wee

Larchwood, IA: Henry Ter Wee, 83, of Larchwood, Iowa, died Saturday, January 4, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 9, at 10:30 AM at First Reformed Church of Inwood, Iowa with Rev. Rob Horstman officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-X6pfGKanHtikofRnNX2Gg. Burial will follow at Richland Cemetery of Inwood. Visitation with the family present will be held Wednesday, January 8, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Inwood.

 Henry Ter Wee Jr. was born October 29, 1941, at home, south of Inwood, Iowa to Garret and Jessie (Brouwer) Ter Wee. Henry and his identical twin brother, Garret, were the middle of 11 children and grew up on a farm near Inwood, attending country school and then were part of the first graduating class of West Lyon High School. He was named after his uncle Henry Ter Wee Sr.

 Henry was blessed with two happy marriages. In 1963, Henry was united in marriage to Minerva Kooima. They lived in Rock Valley and Inwood, Iowa, and had seven children. After Minerva died in 2010, Henry felt fortunate to find happiness a second time with Irene (Bloemendaal) VanVeldhuizen, whom he married in 2012.

 After working several odd jobs, including water delivery, Henry started working at Kooima Manufacturing in Rock Valley in 1963. He continued to work at Kooima’s through various acquisitions. As he moved up with the company, Henry decided to return to school and earned a BS in Statistical Analysis. Eventually Henry was one of a small group that purchased the company, now renamed Total Component Solutions. He retired after almost 44 years with the company as the Quality Assurance Director.

 Henry grew up in the Inwood Reformed Church and was an active member, serving as both deacon and elder. As a young adult, he helped build the current sanctuary. 

 Henry loved to travel and see new things. He traveled to all fifty states, as well as Puerto Rico. Work trips often took him to Mexico, and he also traveled to Canada and cruised to the Bahamas, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Henry also flew in a hot air balloon and went sky diving in his 70s.

 Henry started playing cards in high school and found a life-long hobby. He played in tournaments all over the country and won his way into the World Series of Poker in 2002. He made numerous friends at the tables. His skills were appreciated, and his integrity and kindness were valued.

 Henry passed from here to eternity on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at home surrounded by his wife Irene and six children.

 Henry was preceded in death by his first wife, Minerva; parents, Garret and Jessie; daughter, Joni; grandson, Jesse Saunders; twin brother, Garret Jr.; brothers, John, Jasper, Pete, and Wally; sisters, Jennie and Rena; an infant brother; and son-in-law, Don Saunders.

 He is survived by his wife, Irene; son, Heath (Teryn) Ter Wee of Sioux City, IA; daughters, Luanne (Darrell) Todd of Spencer, IA, Peggy Ter Wee, Gina (Jim) Zuercher, Jessica (Sean) Conlin, all of Sgt. Bluff, IA, and Angela (Matt) Wilson of Clive, IA; brother, Jerry (Mary) Ter Wee of Larchwood; sister, Betty (Jim) Leuthold of Magnolia, MN; brothers-in-law, Bob Kooima, Jim (Margene) Kooima, both of Rock Valley, Gawin (Wanda) Kooima of Sioux Center, IA, and Brian Kooima of Rock Valley; sisters-in-law, Faye (Clarence) Vande Stowe of Rock Valley and Karen Ter Wee of Inwood; 18 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; as well as 4 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great grandchildren; 2 step great-great grandchildren; Irene’s 5 children; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and a brother and sister-in-law; 5 step-grandchildren; plus countless nieces, nephews and friends. 

 For a man who didn’t like crowds, he created a big, loving one and will be missed by all.