Robert Frank Terpstra was the fifth child born to Gerrit and Marie (Vande Voort) Terpstra on January 20, 1927, in Pella, Iowa. Robert attended Lincoln School in Pella through 8th Grade. On January 23, 1945 he enlisted in the US Navy and served on the ship "USS Peter H. Burnett" until he was honorably discharged on July 19, 1946. Robert was married to Mary Doris Slycord on March 21, 1947. To this union six children were born: twin sons, Robert and Allan, who died at birth, Constance, Randy, Michael and Judy. Robert and Mary divorced in 1961. He later married Murel Kerr on June 24, 1972 and they divorced in 2005. After the service he trucked for several years and later bought a farm northwest of Pella. Robert worked at Pella Rolscreen and the VA Hospital in Knoxville. His true passion was his herd of Black Angus cattle. He remained on the farm until November 25, 2014, when he moved to the Knoxville Rehab Center. Robert was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Pella, and a member of VFW Post # 5282, and American Legion Post #89. Those who will cherish his memory are his children: Connie (Gerald) Dowell of Pella, Randy Terpstra of Pella, Mike (Marcia) Terpstra of New Sharon, and Judy (Randy) Johnson of Winterset; grandchildren: Robert Sullivan & Heather, Heidi (Dave) Lyons, Chad Terpstra, Chip (Lauren) Terpstra, Curt Terpstra, Nick Hamilton, and Nicole Hamilton; and great-grandchildren: Karah, Kaleb, Khloe, and Kyrie Lyons; Addison and Mason Terpstra; Jacob and Shelby Hamilton; A.J. Hamilton; and Tory, Alex, Nate, Anna, and Emrielle Sullivan. Preceding him in death were: his parents, twin sons, infant great-grandson Anthony Joseph Sullivan, four brothers: Merlyn, Donald, Gerald and Cecil Terpstra; and two sisters: Chrystal Vander Werff and Betty Aalbers. Robert will be dearly missed by his many friends and family.

Memorial Service

10:00 A.M., Friday, May 1, 2015
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

Visitation

Beginning at 1:00 P.M, Thursday, April 30, 2015
Family present 5:00-7:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

Memorials May Be Given To:

VFW Post # 5282