Delavan/ Arie Terpstra age 87 of Delavan, passed away Friday October 15, 2010 at Lakeland Health Care Center in Elkhorn, Wi.. He was born April 12, 1923 in Barneveld, The Netherlands, the son of Onne and Metje (Dijkstra) Terpstra. He grew up in Hippolytushoef. He married Shirley (Siske) Montsma on February 18, 1947 in Friesland. They immigrated to the United States in 1947. Arie was dedicated to his wife of 62 years and through her passing in May, 2009. A dairy man, he farmed locally, establishing Terpstra Family Farm on Elm Ridge Road in Delavan, acknowledging the initial combined effort of sons and daughters whom he cared for deeply. Arie was committed to the Christian Reformed Faith Christian Education and the well being of his daughter Beatrix Elaine. He married an adventurous woman, shared her many diverse interest, camping, traveling and devotion to family. He cared deeply about his 22 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Arie had a strong work ethic, felt deeply, it is not your occupation that defines a person, it is your character that matters most.
He is survived by 3 daughters; Beatrix Terpstra of Walworth, Marcia (Kenneth) Kooiman of Delavan and Donna (Eldon) Stanton of Whitewater. 5 sons; Andrew of Delavan, Edward (Judy) of Delavan, Charles (Virginia) of Delavan, James (Catherine) of Delavan and David of Homer, Alaska. Daughter in law, Penny Terpstra Vogel (Charles). 22 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren; 1 twin brother Klaas Terpstra of Canada. 1 sister in law, Gerda Terpstra of the Netherlands. Also neices and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, son John, 2 brothers and 1 sisiter and his parents.
Funeral Services will be 1pm Tueday, October 19, 2010 at the Delavan Christian Reformed Church in Delavan with Rev. Dan Roeda officiating. Visitation will be from 10am until time of service at the church. Burial will be at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan. memorials may be made to Inspiration Ministries in Walworth Wi.. MONROE FUNERAL HOME, Delavan, is assisting the family.
' Our help is in the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth '
