Theunis Werkhoven

1922 - 2014

Theunis "Terry" Werkhoven, 91, of Manchester, CT beloved husband of 63 years to Ann (Bush) Werkhoven died peacefully Friday January 24, 2014 at Hartford Hospital with his family at his side. Terry was born in Gaast, Holland the Netherlands, son of the late Jan and Geeltje (Kuipers) Werkhoven on September 19, 1922. Terry loved his family and he will be dearly missed by his two children Carl Werkhoven and his wife, Donna of South Windsor, Stephen Werkhoven and his wife, Sandra of Manchester, his five grandchildren, Scott Werkhoven and his wife, Kari of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Lindsay Patrick and her husband John of Houston, Texas, Sean Werkhoven and his wife, Rebecca of Torrington, CT, Jessica Werkhoven and Hunter Werkhoven of South Windsor and his two great-grandchildren, Kadyn Werkhoven and August Patrick. Terry is also survived by his sister, Wilhelminia Werkhoven and cousin, Gretjie Helfrick of Ellington, brother-in-law, Everett Buckland of Manchester, nephews, David Werkhoven of Washington Depot and Dale Werkhoven of Brooklyn, CT and many loving family and friends. Terry was predeceased by his brother, Hylke Werkhoven. Terry was a graduated of Rockville High School class of 1941 and joined the Navy serving 3 years in World War II as a Machinist's Mate Third Class USN-I. Terry served in the European Theater and after his honorable discharge in 1946 he graduated from the University of Connecticut, having earned his Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. He was employed at Pratt & Whitney Division of Research and Development for 36 years. His knowledge and love of construction led him to build several homes including his own. Upon retirement in 1986 Terry was actively involved in Manchester's Town Government and held a position on the Building Committee for twenty years. He was dedicated to his family and the town in which he lived. His political involvement led him to the Mayoral position in 1989 of which he was extremely honored. Terry remained active in the community and his wish was for the family to extend his gratitude and thankfulness for their support through all the years. Terry enjoyed all activities possible with his grandchildren including but not limited to scouting events, baseball, basketball, skiing, sailing, ice skating, music and spending great days at the beach. When he was not occupied with a home town project he worked as an usher at the University of Connecticut during football and basketball games. Golfing with his friends and grandchildren was a joy and a blessing on any day of the week. He was a an active member of the Masons and Shriners, Army and Navy Club, American Legion and a member of South United Methodist Church and previously involved in supporting the Manchester Child Guidance Clinic. The family will receive friends for calling hours on Tuesday, January 28, from 4- 8 pm with a Masonic Service at 7:30 pm, at Watkins Funeral Home 142 East Center Street Manchester. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 11 am at South United Methodist Church 1226 Main Street corner of Hartford Road, Manchester. Entombment will follow with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery, Glastonbury. Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so in Terry's name to South United Methodist Church 1226 Main St. Manchester, CT 06040 or Manchester Community Child Guidance Clinic 317 North Main Street, Manchester, CT 06042 or Shriners Childrens Hospital 516 Carew Street Springfield, MA 01104-2396. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com