Terry Lynch

1947 - 2025

Terry Lynch

February 12, 1947 - November 4, 2025

Terry Lynch, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, was born February 12, 1947 to Bernice and Leo Lynch. Terry, with his ten brothers and two spoiled sisters, were raised in Iowa City, IA in a loving, albeit somewhat crowded home. Dropping below thirteen credit hours at the University of Iowa, Uncle Sam drafted Terry into the United States Army where he served with the U.S. Army 1st Calvary Division in Vietnam and Cambodia from 1969 to 1970.

Returning to civilian life, he went back to the University of Iowa. Upon graduation, Terry moved to the Quad Cities to work for thirty-two years as a Court Officer for Rock Island County Court Services. In 1977, Terry married Diane Wilson. Together, they raised their two children, Tara and Blake Lynch. In 2000, Terry met Barbara Strooband Weime, and on 02-02-02, a day Terry described as "a date that will live in infamy," he married Barb and her children, Jacqueline, Kelly and Nick Weime.

He was a proud member and past president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 299. Terry enjoyed writing monthly articles about fellow veterans for the newsletter SPOTLIGHT. Raised a Catholic, Terry attended Sacred Heart Church, Moline, where he and Barb had helped with funeral lunches and volunteered at St. Mary's food pantry. Terry and Barb fostered three children and would encourage anyone interested in fostering to find out more about this life-rewarding program.

Terry and Barb spent many hours getting beat in cards and dominoes by their game-savvy foster kids. Avid bike riders, Terry and Barb clocked well over 4,000 miles including RAGBRAI across Iowa. They both loved traveling and were fortunate enough to visit Vietnam and Cambodia with Barb's brother and wife.

Always curious, Terry arranged to interview a veteran of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) who had also served during the 1970's. Terry published this interview in the SPOTLIGHT. An adventurous eater, Terry would eat things his wife wouldn't touch with a stick. In May 2024, Terry and Barb went biking in the Netherlands where he took a spill injuring his left leg. Eventually, Terry's left thigh swelled to twice its size and a biopsy disclosed sarcoma, resulting in the total amputation of his left leg. Terry was glad 2024 was over. In January 2025, a CT scan showed the sarcoma had spread to his lungs and brain. Terry fought this disease with chemotherapy, Keytruda, and radiation - never complaining. Let us not forget that Terry was a teaser. His mother would say, "The more they tease you, the more they love you." Terry spread a lot of love, especially to his grandchildren.

Left to carry on are his wife Barb, their children: Jackie (John) Hinnant of LeClaire, IA, Kelly Weime of Oaxaca, Mexico, Tara (Joe) Peterson of Clive, IA, Nick (Megan) Weime of Iowa City, IA, and Blake (Holly) Lynch of Teutopolis, IL; thirteen grandchildren: Andrew, Benjamin, Audrey, Stella, Owen, Charlie, Henry, Will, Mark, Louis, Leo, June, and Deacon; siblings, Jim Lynch of Roseville, CA, Joyce (Fuzz) Lehman of Missouri Valley, IA, Janet (Courtney) Harris of Carpinteria, CA, Tom (Kathy) Lynch of Iowa City, IA, Joe (Shawn) Lynch of Iowa City, IA, Ed (Paula Goetzinger) Lynch of Iowa City, IA, Pat (Cathy) Lynch of Encampment, WY, Alan (Mary) Lynch of Ames, IA; sisters-in-law, Julie Lynch of Iowa City, IA, Paula Lynch of Iowa City, IA, and Cindy Lynch of Port St. Lucie, FL and numerous favorite nieces and nephews, you know who you are. Terry was preceded in death by his sister, Mary; brothers, Gary (Terry's mirror image twin), John, Bill, Larry Lynch, and nephew, Bryce Edward Goetzinger Lynch.

All who knew Terry would agree he was the most positive and the most generous of men. Even after the loss of his leg and throughout treatment, Terry remained convinced he would defeat the cancer, exhibiting strength and certitude each day. If Terry could leave us some words of wisdom, he would say to have malice towards none. Here's to you, Terry Peter Lynch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to World Relief 1852 16th St, Moline; St Mary's Food Pantry 412 10th St, Moline; Rails-to-Trails PO BOX 96014 Washington DC 20077-7560. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 10th, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church, Moline with a visitation preceding the Mass starting at 9:30 a.m. Sacred Heart's St. Damien Center. Burial will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal.

Condolences may be left at RaffertyFunerals.com