Ivan Patrick Ternus, 85

Ivan Patrick Ternus, 85, of Tama, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, at UnityPoint-Allen Hospital in Waterloo. A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. A Memorial Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 4-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama. Ivan had donated his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program.

Ivan was born on March 13, 1938, on a farm in rural Platte County near Monroe, Nebraska, the 5th born child of 13, of Joseph Frank and Katherine Eve (Schaecher) Ternus. His family moved to Iowa in the 1940’s, leasing farm ground. He obtained much of his schooling in small country schools throughout Iowa. He dropped out of high school to help his father on the farm. Ivan also worked as a carpenter.

On February 13, 1960, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama he married the love of his life, Constance Long. To this union four sons were born: Scott, Troy, Brett and Jon. Shortly after getting married, he went to work at Hardon’s in Tama. This is where he learned the electrical, plumbing and heating trades. In February of 1976, he went into business for himself. Building a reputation for doing quality work, Ternus Electric has been an established business for over 46 years. He was very pleased with what he achieved without a high school diploma and that many of his customers counted him as their friend.

Ivan was a gentleman of strong faith and quiet demeanor, whose interests centered in his home and business in which he felt great pride. He was devoted to his wife and children and grandchildren and felt a deep interest in their welfare. Ivan was a quiet and unassuming nature but nevertheless he was interested in the doings of a public nature that concerned the welfare of the community in which he resides. He never aspired to hold public office, but rather devoted his time to his home, business and to his family. Pleasant to meet and pleasant to visit with he will be missed by many. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and for a time served on its council. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and the local Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-three years, Constance, of Tama; four sons: Scott (Virginia Veruette) Ternus, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Troy Ternus, of Tama, Brett (Pamela) Ternus, of Orlando, FL and Jon (Melinda) Ternus, of Leawood, KS; five grandchildren: Christian (Kate Murphy), Brendan, Katrina, Gretchen and Owen Ternus; three brothers: Caroll (Marlene) Ternus, of Van Horne, Lyle (Joanne) Ternus, of Dysart, and Steve Ternus, of Shellsburg; six sisters: Connie (Don) Smith, of Johnston, Diane Wieditz, of Urbandale, Julie (Darrell) Staley, of Nevada, Barbara Mathes (Doug Wiesner), Linda, of Ames and Mary Geater, of Vinton; sisters-in-law, Sandra Ternus, of Sunrise, FL and Kaye Ternus, of Vinton; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers: David, James and Gary Ternus; brothers-in-law: Karl Wieditz, James Surber, Roger Geater, Donald Mathes and Ronald Long and sisters-in-law, Shirlene, Alene and Ronette Ternus and Mary Parmley.

A memorial fund will be established.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.