Terry E. Gertson's Obituary
Terry Gertson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on September 24, 1946, Terry lived a full life marked by love for family, deep friendships, and countless adventures.
After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1965, where he was a proud member of their state championship basketball team, Terry attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. He later enlisted in the Army National Guard, proudly serving his country as a recruiter for six years. Terry married Pamela Luett on June 28, 1969. They celebrated the birth of three children together.
On October 2, 1982, Terry married the love of his life, Marcia Hagge. Together they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and unwavering devotion. They were partners in every sense of the word, whether boating on the mighty Mississippi with family on weekends, snowmobiling through snowy cornfields, tailgating at Hawkeye games, or tearing up the dance floor at the Moose.
Terry’s career in Human Resources with International Paper Company, “the largest folding carton company in the world,” as he liked to remind his family every time they drove past, spanned several decades and took him from Clinton, Iowa, to Appleton, Wisconsin, to Ticonderoga, New York. He retired after 35 years of dedication to the company, grateful for the life and opportunities it provided.
Terry’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by family. He never missed a birthday call, and each of his children and grandchildren will forever treasure the memory of his heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday,” sung with his rich, beautiful voice. Many let those calls go to voicemail just to keep his songs with them a little longer.
Terry’s passions were as wide as his smile. He loved hunting and fishing with his son Chad, and the two shared a special bond over golf. Countless afternoons were spent on the course together soaking in the game he loved most. If Terry wasn’t playing golf, he was watching it, always studying, always dreaming. He dreamed of living on a golf course and was blessed to call not one, but two, home.
He was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan. Saturdays in the fall were for football games and tailgates at Club Melrose, where a chair was always waiting for “Mr. G.” He especially cherished those game days with his daughter Jennifer, who never missed a Hawkeye game by her dad’s side.
He loved cheering on the Green Bay Packers and proudly shared that passion with his daughter Jaclyne. Though not everyone in the family was convinced to wear green and gold, he and Jaclyne always stood strong together for their team.
He cherished simple, everyday moments just as much as big celebrations. He loved cheering Kristy on at every volleyball and basketball game and track meet, and the two of them shared countless hours shooting hoops together in the driveway. Kristy proudly wore her dad’s basketball number, 32, carrying forward a piece of him each time she stepped on the court.
Later, when he and Marcia lived in Memphis, he delighted in splashing in the pool with his grandchildren. He especially loved Christmas, when he’d put on his Santa hat and soak in the joyful chaos of his grandchildren ripping into their gifts. Those times of laughter and play reflected the joy he found in being with the people he loved most.
Terry held a special place in his heart for his dogs, Patches, Scooter, Katie, and Hawkeye, and for all his granddogs and a few grandcats along the way, who returned his love in kind.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Marcella “Sally” (Kron) Gertson; his sisters, Sharon Matzen and Linda Kraciun; and his brother, Michael Gertson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Marcia; his children, Jennifer (Jarrod) Richardson of Bettendorf, Chad (Teresa) Gertson of Clinton, Kristy (Eric) Cleppe of Bettendorf, and Jaclyne (Brad) Rocole of Wisconsin; and his cherished grandchildren, TJ, Brandon, Casey, Keaton, Nathan, and Kaylee. He is also survived by his siblings, Penny (Jim) Campbell, Mary (Leroy) Jarrett, Tony (Wendy) McAndrews, and Eugene Gertson Jr. as well as several nieces and nephews.
Terry never met a stranger. He had a gift for turning acquaintances into friends and friends into family. He welcomed everyone with warmth and had a way of making each person feel like they belonged. His children’s friends all knew they had a place in his home and in his heart, and many of them became like family themselves.
Terry’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and happiness. His legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew him best. Terry was proud of all his children and grandchildren and their many accomplishments.
Terry's family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Genesis ICU, especially his nurse, Sam, who cared for him as if he were his own father. They'd also like to thank the staff at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for their compassionate care.
A Funeral Mass will be 11:00am, Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Church of the Visitation – Camanche. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00-7:00pm at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory.
In honor of Terry’s love for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers, the family invites those attending the visitation to wear their favorite Hawkeye or Packer gear. Terry would have loved nothing more than to see a sea of black and gold and green and gold gathered together.
Memorials can be made to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.
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