Harry Raymond Terpstra II
Harry Raymond Terpstra II
Cedar Rapids
Harry Raymond Terpstra II (68) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, unexpectedly passed away at his home on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Ray was greeted in Heaven by many loved ones including his wife, great love of his life Tammy Terpstra, father Harry Raymond Terpstra, mother Anita Terpstra, and father-in-law Elmer Pfeifle. Ray is survived by his son Matthew Terpstra and daughter-in-law Salma Shaik; daughter Elizabeth Kallas, son-in-law Matthew Kallas, and grandson Carson Kallas; mother-in-law Elenora Pfeifle; siblings Joyce Terpstra (Mitch Black), Jean Terpstra (Charles Mitch), and Bill Terpstra (Val Terpstra), sister-in-law Kelly Eells (Craig Eells), brother-in-law Kevin Pfeifle, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Ray was born and raised on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids and grew up an avid dirt bike rider, fisherman, and animal lover. Ray graduated from Washington High School, attended Alleghany College, and Drake University Law School where he earned his Juris Doctor Degree. Ray was a distinguished Attorney in the state of Iowa for over 40 years. He practiced alongside his father Harry for many cherished years and later owned his own law practice specializing in banking and agricultural law. Although work was a vital piece of his life, family was the most important.
Ray first met his wife Tammy in an elevator at the Higley Building on 3rd Avenue and they married in 1985. They enjoyed traveling, wine tasting, and spending time with family and friends. Ray and Tammy loved each other for 34 years of marriage and we are comforted knowing they are together again. After meeting Tammy, the second greatest joy was being a father. Ray attended every sporting event, choir, theatre and dance performance. He planned many special family vacations to Disney World and ski trips. Bedtime stories were his special talent. He was recently gifted with the third greatest joy of his life, the birth of his first grandson. In addition to family, throughout his life he enjoyed farming, sports cars, gardening, and bird watching.
A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Friday, Dec. 20th, 2024, from 5-8 pm CST. Funeral services will be held at First Lutheran Church on Saturday, Dec. 21st, 2024, at 11 am followed by a luncheon and burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ray to Indian Creek Nature Center and Kids First Law Center.