Terry Weldon

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     Terrill L. "Terry" Weldon, 93, of Onawa, Iowa, died peacefully in his home in Onawa on Tuesday morning, April 22, 2025. In the days preceding his death, He had lingered in love, lulled by the steady stream of soft-spoken farewells and held to this world by deep love and affection. He then slipped quietly away, a little after 9:00 am on a regular Tuesday morning. Together with his wife of 68 years, Shirley Weldon, they had shared their lives and raised a large, sprawling, loving family.

     Terry was born in Iowa City, Iowa., on June 12, 1931, to L.D. and Francis Weldon. His childhood was spent mainly in Sacramento, California, the oldest of three brothers including Dennis and Stephen Weldon. Around the time Terry was entering high school, the family moved to Moorhead, Iowa, where his mother’s parents, Tom and Lena Strand, had made their home. As adults, these brothers would spend countless hours nostalgically remembering their youth in Moorhead. In high school, Terry excelled athletically, especially in basketball as the Moorhead High School basketball team went all the way to state in his senior year, 1949. During these formative years, Terry discovered his spiritual calling through the thriving R.L.D.S Church in Moorhead. Inspired by his Uncle Walter’s storytelling, Terry embraced the teachings of the Book of Mormon, fostering a lifelong dedication to community and relationship-building—a passion that shaped both his personal and professional journey.

     On June 30, 1957, he married Shirley Jean Mann, marking the start of their remarkable life together. As they raised their family, Terry pursued higher education at Graceland College, in Lamoni, Iowa, earning his B.A. in 1961. He went on to obtain an M.A. in social work from the University of Iowa in 1966, embarking on a career dedicated to improving lives. He served as Director of Child Welfare Services and later served as Asst. Director of Linn County Department of Human Services in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From 1969 to 1976 he was employed as an Asst. Professor at Graceland College in Lamoni. He wrote the entire undergraduate social work curriculum and guided it through endorsement and program accreditation. His career culminated in his role as a school social worker with the Area Education agency in Sioux City, Iowa. Terry touched the lives of countless individuals, embodying integrity and nurturing human connections throughout his professional work, as well as in his personal and spiritual life.

     Terry leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, reflected in his family. He is survived by his wife Shirley of Onawa; daughters, Kathy Adams (Joel) of Independence, Missouri, Vicki Weldon (Dan Jensen) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Cyndy Johnson (Mark Prunty) of Sioux City, Iowa and Patti Morrow (Matt McKibben) of Soldier, Iowa; grandchildren, Karalee White, Sean White, Michael Jason White (Katie), Rachael Muller (Josh Murtha), Brittney Gernhart (Aaron Wirth), Brandon Johnson, Maggie Butler (Jerry Beavers), Cooper Morrow (Tyler), Chase Morrow (Elizabeth Harkins), Niki Morrow (Stacy Lopez) and Kyran Morrow (Paytin Porter); great-grandchildren, Cole, Kodi, Logan, Will, Delaney, Keaton, Noah, Zack, Maxton, Benji, Rylan, Shia, Hayzen, Audrina, Aleina, Silas, Oliver, Amelia, Rory, Henley, YoHali, and Izaiah; brother, Steve Weldon (Francine) of Maryville, Washington; nieces and nephews too numerous to count, though his brother Denny’s children, Linda Weldon, Rob Weldon and Pam Weldon, will be doubly watched over by both brothers and their names bear mention because of that. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Weldon; son, Jeff Weldon; and granddaughter, Lauren White.