Terry Hersperger was born on May 11, 1946 in Evanston, Illinois.  He grew up in New Jersey after he was proudly chosen by his adoptive parents.  Along with his parents and sister, he had a happy childhood playing tennis, visiting the Jersey shore, and getting into mischief.

Terry moved to Kansas to attend Southwestern College. He transferred to Coffeyville Community College and graduated from Pittsburg State University with a degree in business administration.  He remained a lifelong supporter of the schools.  He regularly attended sporting events, fundraised for scholarships, and proudly attended many other alumni events.

While in school, Terry met his wife of 53 years, Joan (Sandt).  They chose to settle in Kansas City and raise their family, a daughter and a son.  A devoted father, he coached his son’s baseball teams, attended both of his children’s extracurricular events, while proudly supporting all of his family’s endeavors.  His dream of becoming a grandfather was fulfilled by the births of his four grandchildren.  He loved animals and welcomed twelve pets into his home over his life.

Terry worked at Columbia Union National Bank & Trust as a trust officer for two years.  He then worked as a food broker during the first part of his career before transitioning to the Kansas City Star.   He retired after 20 years with the company.  He found great joy in donating his time and remained active in the community.  He routinely volunteered for Bishop Spencer Place, Saline Animal League, and numerous classic car clubs.  He earned a Master Gardener’s designation from the state of Missouri, and stated that one of his proudest moments was helping to restore the gardens at the Harry Truman home to their original design. 

Terry showed immense courage and determination as he battled cancer over the last two and a half years of his life.  He remained positive and a fighter to the end as his desire to live was unmatched.  He will be fondly missed.  Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Genevieve Hersperger.  He is survived by his wife Joan, daughter Janelle (Nolan) Aubrecht, son Stephen (Natalie), grandchildren Benjamin, Daniel, Landon, and Cora, and his sister Carren (Robert) O’Keefe.

A celebration of life will be held at Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa, Kansas with visitation from 10-10:30 a.m. and service following at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 23rd, followed by a 11:15 am burial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Saline Animal League in Marshall, Missouri (Saline Animal League).