Terry Rhey Harris, 85, of Peosta, IA passed away on August 10, 2024. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 pm Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A private funeral service will be held.  In September or October, there will be a celebration of life for Terry; the details will be announced at a later date.

Terry was born on October 18, 1938 and was the oldest son of Floyd “Bucky” and Verena (Bemis) Harris.  Terry was raised on a small farm on West 32nd Street in Dubuque, IA.  Terry was a 1956 graduate of Senior High School where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete.

Terry continued his education and athletic career at Drake University on a football scholarship.  While at Drake, he competed in the 1958 Sun Bowl game in El Paso, TX.  He then returned to the University of Dubuque and excelled in basketball and football while completing his Education degree.

It was during his time at University of Dubuque that he met the love of his life, Susan Casper.  They were married on April 9, 1960.  Upon graduation from UD, Terry began his teaching career at Jefferson Junior High and then Washington Junior High as a Physical Education and Science teacher.  Terry taught and mentored thousands of middle school students in his 38 years of teaching and coaching.  He also refereed numerous sports throughout his career.  It was an everyday occurrence for Terry to cross paths with his former students who would always greet him as “Mr. Harris” or “Coach”.

Terry was a great competitor in life.  He excelled in teaching, coaching, athletics, business, and life in general.  He always brought out the best in people and encouraged them to exceed expectations.  That included his children and grandchildren whom he loved dearly and always pushed them to be their best in school, athletics, and careers. He set the example to be kind to others and always put others ahead of himself.

Terry was well known as one of the best fast pitch softball pitchers in the tri-state area and pitched for many different teams.  He was inducted into the Dubuque County Fast Pitch Hall of Fame in 1981.  He was also inducted into the Senior High School Hall of Fame in 1998.

In 1979, while still teaching and coaching full-time, Terry started S&H Golf Cars, a Yamaha Golf Car business with the Sindt brothers, Vern and Lenny.  He continued that partnership until he retired from teaching in 1998 and purchased all of the business, which currently operates as Harris Golf Cars in Dubuque and four states.  The company was his passion for the past 45 years up to the day he passed.

Terry loved golf and was a charter member at Thunder Hills Country Club where he made lifelong friends and enjoyed many experiences through the years.  He was also a member of the beloved “One More Club” at Thunder Hills that met weekly after men’s league to solve the world’s problems.

Many will remember Terry as a spectator at his grandchildren’s sporting events.  He rarely missed an event and was always there early to get the best seats.  He was very proud of each of their accomplishments and loved to share that with everyone that would listen.  Often times, he used his coaching and referee experience to vocally share his opinion with others!

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Susan, two children, Scott (Juli) Harris and Amy (Steve) Haldeman, all of Peosta; 6 grandchildren, Shannon (Alex) Carrillo of Iowa City, Calvin, Maddie, and Brett Harris, Spencer and Haley Haldeman;  4 great grandchildren Violet, Ben, Emily, and Isabel Carrillo;  2 brothers, Gary (Kennie) Harris and Denny (Robbin) Harris, all of Peosta; and 1 sister-in-law, Zoe Casper of Dubuque.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents Bucky and Verena Harris, parents-in-law, Jack and Alta Casper, brothers-in-law Bob Casper and David Casper.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Terry’s family would like to thank all of the staff at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, University of Iowa Hospital, Hawkeye Care Center, and Paramount Ambulance for their compassionate care.  Special thanks to Tom Buelow, Dave Clemens, and Gary Dolphin for their support.