In Loving Memory of Carol Helen Terpstra
July 16, 1937 – January 8, 2025
Carol Helen Terpstra of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on July 16, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois to Glenn and Rosalie Benninghoff, Carol her early years in Valparaiso, graduating from Valparaiso High School in 1955. She attended a secretarial and business institute in South Bend before joining McGill Manufacturing as a receptionist and later Urschel Laboratories where she met and married Walter Terpstra in 1960. She was a decorator of cakes, maker of lace, seamstress of clothing, and healer of all manner of childhood scrapes. She will be remembered for her deep appreciation for historical folk arts, including tatting, bobbin lace, and tole painting. She made beautiful calligraphy cards and crochet. She enjoyed spending time teaching those arts and history to anyone interested in America’s folk art past.
She is survived by her three children: Mike Terpstra (Judy) of Valparaiso, Indiana; Brian Terpstra (Tami) of Littleton, Colorado; and Leanna Gielow (Tommy) of Winamac, Indiana. She is also survived by her brother, Bruce Benninghoff (Ann) of Littleton, Colorado. She was preceded in death by Carol's brother Wayne, along with her mother and father. She leaves behind grandchildren Jessica (Chris) Dawson of Hebron, Kurtis Gielow of Lowell, and Brandon (Brittany) Gielow of Winamac, and Ethan Terpstra of Montreal, Quebec. Carol was also blessed with great grandchildren Colten, Jaxon, Zack, and Ivy.
A memorial service will be held at Moeller Funeral Home in Valparaiso on February 1, 2025 to celebrate Carol’s life. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and a memorial service will start at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Caring Place or Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation in her name.
GUESTBOOK
Sending you our most sincere condolences over the loss of your mom and grandma. May you know how much we care. May God 's love and grace surround you during this time. Sincerely, Jim and Sheri Micah, Jenn and Gideon, Jalissa and Jose
Carol was supremely kind, highly intelligent, always insightful and endlessly interesting. She was a wonderful friend. My condolences to her family and all the others who mourn her loss, as I do. -Denise Woodside Murray
Sincere condolences to the family of my long-time, dear friend. Many are the hours that we shared our hearts with each other and were a help to one another. I'm thankful for the many wonderful memories I have of her and look forward to being with her for all eternity in heaven because of the blood of Jesus that forgives our sins and made us His children. -Marvella Bartholomew
I was sorry to hear about Carol’s passing. She was a dear neighbor who became a friend in the short time we knew each other. Carol was kind, generous of heart and always ready to listen. She spoke of her family with such joy on her face. I know Carol will be deeply missed by all who loved her. May the memories of her continue to bring you comfort. -Susan Snell
