Thomas J. Terp

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas (Tom) Terp, a cherished member of our community, who left this world in the early hours of Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the age of 80. Tom, a proud resident of Manitowoc, was born in Green Bay on April 16, 1943, to Leslie and Eunice (VanDeLeest) Terp.
Tom's journey was marked by love, dedication, and unwavering passion. He attended schools at Valders and Manitowoc Lincoln High schools. On March 31, 1962, he exchanged vows with the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy) K. Ashenbrenner, in Two Rivers. Their bond was one of strength, enduring until Sandy's passing on October 2nd, 2002.
Throughout his remarkable life, Tom carved out a legacy of hard work and entrepreneurship. He began his career working for Terp Lincoln Mercury, followed by Schuette Construction of Manitowoc, and later ventured to California, where he owned and operated a Shell gas station. In 1972, he returned to Manitowoc to open Terp's Calumet Auto alongside his cousin Tim Terp. Later, in 1979 Tom and his wife Sandy, with their shared vision and dedication established Terp's Auto Sales, a family business with locations in Manitowoc, Two Rivers (including T&T Auto Body), and Denmark.
Tom and Sandy's weekends were synonymous with warmth and laughter as they welcomed friends, children, and grandchildren to their haven in Sturgeon Bay. Following their retirement from the auto sales business, they made Sturgeon Bay their permanent residence.
More recently, Tom's spirit of adventure led him to winter in Florida with his partner Shari Crabb. He also enjoyed exploring car shows and auctions with his cousin Tim Terp. His early love for racing cars never waned, and he continued to indulge in his passion for classic automobiles, snowmobiling, fishing, and boating with family and friends.
Let us celebrate the vibrant spirit that Tom was, remembering the countless lives he touched and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. May we find solace in the shared memories of a life well-lived and a soul deeply loved. Tom will be dearly missed, but his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.
He is survived by his one daughter and three sons: Brenda (Brian) Henrickson of Two Rivers, Todd (Cheryl) Terp of Manitowoc, Jim (Trina) Terp of Two Rivers, Kevin (Sarah) Terp of Denver, CO; his grandchildren: Kassie (special friend, Brian Dellemann), Katie (Jake) Wilsmann, Emma (special friend, Tyler Duessing), Tiffany (Mike) Poeschel, Tyler (Kylee) Terp, Trevor Terp, Cody (Paige) Terp, Carly (fiance, Adam Schermetzler), Kristy (special friend, Jon Regalado), Jamie (Dusty) Neubauer, Jennifer Henrickson, and Nicole (fiance, Luke King); 13 great-grandchildren: Coltin, Kaylee, Calvin, Jack, Nora, Bryson, Brielle, Austin, Brenna, Quinn, Aidyn, Aubrey, Wren, and Wesley; along with very special friends, Shari Crabb and Judy Johns. He is further survived by two sisters & two brothers-in-law: Bonnie Nicola of California, Sharon (Frank) Pace of Durango, CO, and Chuck Barbeau of Two Rivers; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Eunice Terp; his wife, Sandra; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Alois and Evelyn Ashenbrenner; two brothers, Paul and Ronald Terp; and sisters-in-law: Deb Barbeau, Judy (Don) Lesperance.
Funeral services will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Rd. Newton. Rev. Dave Beaudry will officiate at the Mass of Christian Burial, with cremation to follow.
The family will greet friends and relatives at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, on Tuesday afternoon, November 7th from 2:00 until 5:30 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to the Terp family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.
Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.