In Loving Memory
Vitus Terveer
April 23, 1927 - August 17, 2020

PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICE

The service will be live streamed on the Martin-Mattice Facebook page.

Thursday, August 20, 2020
10:30 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Rev. Bill Schreiber

INTERMENT
Calvary Cemetery
Ayrshire, Iowa

MILITARY GRAVESIDE RITES
American Legion Post #173
Ayrshire, Iowa

V.F.W. Post #2295
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Vitus Terveer was born in St. James, Minnesota, to Leo and Mable (Favire) Terveer on April 23, 1927. He was fourth eldest of fifteen children. He received his education in Minnesota, graduating from Sherburn High School in 1945. Vitus served in the United States Army during World War II for five years, being honorably discharged in 1950. During this time he met and married Mary McBride, in Sherburn, Minnesota. They had eight living children and one deceased at birth. They moved to their present day farm, near Ayrshire, in 1953. Vitus and Mary were married over 66 years. They were lifetime and devoted members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where Vitus served as Lector and extra-ordinary Eucharistic Minister from the time of its inception.

Vitus was an active American Legion member for over 70 years and was proud of his services therein. He was also a Life Member of the V.F.W. in Emmetsburg. He was Commander of the Post for about 12 years. Vitus was part of the color guard for celebrations and funeral services, presenting burial flags to families of deceased veterans for over 45 years.

He founded the Little League baseball organization in Ayrshire, (with help from many other members) and he took great joy in working with the boys. As Membership Chairman, he was able to bring the number of members up to 103. He served on the Ayrshire Fire Department for 24 years and worked for the FSA (ASC) for 15 years, mapping and measuring ground and grain bins. He also did measuring and adjusting for many years for MPCI. Vitus was a Township Trustee for over 20 years, serving as chairman for many years.

Vitus served on the elevator board for 10 years and was chairman for three of those years, while the elevator merged with West Bend. He loved farming and was truly a steward of the land. Vitus also worked off farm as a carpenter. His sons followed in his footsteps and he enjoyed working with his sons and daughters. He always said, "Mary was the best hired man he ever had."

Vitus's wit and humor will be remembered by all who had the opportunity to know him. He never backed down from a challenge and even participated in Main Street Community Theatre productions. His ability to converse with young and old was truly a gift that he possessed and he maintained his interest in learning and helping others until he passed away. His love of family, his farm, his community and his friends is a great legacy he has left to others.

Vitus passed away Monday, August 17, 2020, at his home near Ayrshire at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; a child in infancy; his parents, Leo and Mable Terveer; his brothers, Plate, Cletus and Raymond Terveer; sisters, Barb Schanz and Zita Reetz.

Left to cherish him are his children, Kathleen (Robert) Brown, John (Patsy) Terveer, Roberta Smith, Jerry (Sue) Terveer, Timothy Terveer, Gregory (Cheri) Terveer, Jeffrey (Patricia) Terveer and Anthony (Pennie) Terveer; eighteen grandchildren; twenty seven great grandchildren; brothers, David (Linda) Terveer and Alois Terveer; sisters, Veronica Studer, Rena Miller, Rita (Jim) Denny, Janet Roth, Vernetta Cellette and Gloria (Art) Bauer; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home