Terry Lynn Ridder, 70

Terry Lynn Ridder, age 70, of Shell Rock, Iowa, died Monday, January 12, 2026, at Mercy One North Iowa Hospital in Mason City, Iowa, from congestive heart failure, with his loving wife by his side.

Terry was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on November 11, 1955, the son of Chris G. and Hermine (Beitelmann) Ridder.  He attended school at Ackley Elementary and Aplington Community School, graduating in 1974.  On August 19, 1977, Terry was united in marriage to Gail Everts.  The couple made their home first in Parkersburg, followed by Waverly, and lastly Shell Rock, Iowa.  They had two children, Melissa and Mark.

Terry had various jobs, but spent most of his time in sales, something he was a natural at.  At one point he made his living by refinishing furniture out of his garage, which fueled his passion for woodworking.  Terry gifted many friends and family with handcrafted wooden bowls he made, some out of exotic woods.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, where he shared the produce with his neighbors.  Terry also took great joy in spending time with his favorite dog Abby and his grand-doggers, Rosie and Tena.

Terry’s memory is honored by: his wife, Gail Ridder, of 48 years, of Shell Rock; daughter, Melissa Miller and partner Khrys Luther-Heath of Sarnia Ontario, Canada; son Mark (Amber) Ridder of Waverly; two grandsons, Andrew Miller of Sarnia Ontario and Cooper Ridder of Waverly; mother and step-father, Hermine and Daniel Schwickerath of Aplington, sister, Charisse (Dave) Scott of Gilman, Iowa; brother, Brent (Dawn) Ridder of Ackley, Iowa; three sisters-in-law, Ardy (John) Hartley, Marie (Mart) Butenhoff, and LeeAnn (Jeff) Saylor; and a brother-in-law, Glen (Kathleen Fisher) Everts; four step-sisters; and a step-brother; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.  He was preceded by his grandparents; his father; sister, Jill Ridder; and sister-in-law, Theresa Everts.

Terry has been cremated and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 17, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly.  Memorials may be directed to Terry’s family for later designation and online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com. 319-352-1187