In Memory of Charles Terpstra

Obituary

Charles Terpstra passed away, peacefully, November 14, 2024, at Wynn Hospital, after a brief illness, surrounded by family.

He was born in Gaastmeer , the Netherlands on July 25 1930, the son of Martin and Susie (Eckhof) Terpstra and lived through the German occupation during WWII. In 1949, at the age of 19 he traveled to Utica NY with his parents, two sisters and brother. Charlie proudly served with the United States Army in Korea. He was united in marriage to Joyce Uertz on July 11, 1959 and was blessed with 65 years of loving marriage.

Charlie was one of the first bakers employed by Holland Farms, and enjoyed baking and managing aspects of the bakery for 38 years until his retirement in 1993. He was active in the Mohawk Valley Bakers Association and served as president and later treasurer. Charlie enjoyed many recreational activities through the years including fishing, golfing, boating, gardening, square dancing, musical events and following his favorite sports teams including the NY Rangers, NY Yankees, and SU football and basketball. He was a member of Wednesday morning golf league until the age of 93. Charlie also enjoyed many travel adventures including 19 years of wintering in Florida with Joyce. Charlie was a faithful member of the Central United Methodist Church in Utica and later the First United Methodist Church in New Hartford, and enjoyed worshiping and spending time with his church family. He shared his faith, wit, wisdom, storytelling, and optimistic outlook on life with everyone he met, especially with his grandchildren.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife Joyce, and their two sons, Charlie and Bob (MaryEllen) and his grandchildren Sarah (Tyler) Soltis of Florida, Callie Terpstra(Chris) of Schenectady, Eric Terpstra of Delaware, Megan Terpstra of Washington D.C. and one great grandchild Finn Soltis of Florida. Sisters Gail LaPier (Don), Ann (Bill) Boris and John (Joan) Terpstra. Charles is predeceased by his parents Martin and Susie Terpstra, grandson Matthew Terpstra, sister in law Esther Boyd, brother in law Glenn Uertz, and mother and father in law Roy and Mirtey Uertz.

Calling hours are on Saturday from 10-11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, New Hartford. The funeral will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in Sauquoit Valley Cemetery. 

In Memory of Charlie, Donations to First United Methodist Church of New Hartford or a charity of your choice.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com

Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.