Terry Van De Pol

Terry L. Van De Pol, 76, passed away unexpectedly doing the things he loved, on May 25, 2021. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on February 1, 1945, the son of Stanley and Lena Mae Van De Pol.

The most important thing in Terry’s life was his family. He was a devoted husband to his best friend Mary for 53 years, who he met at Iowa Wesleyan College where they both played basketball. They shared many common interests – family, sports, crafts, wood-working, friends and even shared the same birthday 3 years apart.

Terry developed his work ethic growing up on the family farm in Hedrick, IA. He spent the first 15 years of his career teaching and coaching where he loved the strategy of basketball, football, baseball and more importantly developing young people through life’s lessons on and off the sports field. To those who know and love Terry, he never really stopped coaching.

He was a business owner for the next 12 years where he thrived in sales, since a stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. He enjoyed the benefits and challenges of small business ownership. He then finished his working days in a finance role first for The Wittern Group and then for Praxair. The constant that spans Terry’s career and life was his impact on people, his friendly, infectious personality.

Terry loved sports and as a huge Hawkeye fan, he rarely missed a Hawkeye event, always with best friend Mary by his side.

Terry’s children, grandchildren and now great grandchild were the special focus of his attention. Papa Terry LOVED being involved in their lives and enjoyed every basketball or baseball game, gymnastics meet, track/cross country meet, piano recital, or theatrical production that time and opportunity allowed. Terry was a hard-working, dedicated, fun driven and a happy go lucky person in every aspect of life. He was a devoted husband, father, friend, coach, leader, son, and brother that everyone knew and loved. He was always there to offer a big hug. He was immensely and truly dedicated to the people he loved and cared about.

Terry was uniquely Dad, Pa VanDe, Papa Terry, and affectionately that “resonating voice in the crowd” to the umpires and referees.

Terry is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Van De Pol; son, Kurt (Angee) Van De Pol; daughter, Kelly (Jon) Anonson; grandchildren: Elijah (Lizzy) Van De Pol, Wyatt (Rachel) Van De Pol, Micahla Van De Pol, Brogan Van De Pol, William Van De Pol, Claire Anonson, Jackson Anonson, and great grandchild, Emma Van De Pol. He is also survived by his brothers, Ron (Lyn) Van De Pol and Stan (Rose Lee) Van De Pol; as well as other loving relatives and many special friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Lena Mae, and his grandson, Braden Lane Van De Pol.

Visitation will be held at Altoona United Methodist Church, 602 5th Avenue SW in Altoona, IA Thursday June 3, 2021 from 4-6pm. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 4, also at Altoona United Methodist Church, with a luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be distributed amongst numerous charities in loving memory of Terry.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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