Terry Kach, 72

Aug. 21, 1948 —

Oct. 5, 2020

 

Ankeny - Terry “TK” Kach, age 72, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away peacefully and comfortably on Monday, Oct. 5, with his wife at his side at Iowa Lutheran Hospital due to complications from COVID. He leaves behind his wife, Tracy Kach; son, Jeremy; and daughter, Emma. 

Terry requested to be cremated and will be laid to rest next to his son, Chad in Jefferson, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Aug. 21, 1948 to Donald and Phyllis (Halse) Kach. He was joined at home by brother, Doug and later brothers, Mark and Randy. Many shenanigans were had on the farm. He truly loved his brothers, and they had a special bond. 

Terry graduated from Cresco High School. He was drafted and served in Vietnam. He loved his country and was proud to have been part of the Marine Corps family. He always said he wished he would have continued and been able to retire from the Corps. Along the way, he was married and later divorced but had two wonderful sons, Jeremy and Chad. They were his greatest blessings, and he was so proud of them. 

Terry had a successful career in the automotive industry and drove professionally, with an unmatched work ethic. He spent his time at several dealerships as a parts manager, service manager or the parts and service director. Many friendships were formed from these dealerships. With his success he got to see the world on several incentive trips. He was able to travel to Australia, England, Scotland, New Zealand, Paris, Spain and Hawaii, just to name a few. 

On Oct. 15, 1994, Terry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Tracy Marie Zmolek. He always joked that it took him a long time to find someone with the same initials. They enjoyed traveling and being around family and friends. On Sept. 7, 2002, their dream came true, and they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Emma Jean Kach. She was his entire world. Terry was fortunate enough to retire early, and in that time, his focus was taking care of his daughter. Or as Emma would say, he did “Daddy Day Care.” He hauled that girl and her friends around all summer long. He never told her no. 

The Iowa State Fair in August was a favorite annual event. He was so proud to see Emma graduate from Ankeny High School in 2020 and start her next adventure at the University of Northern Iowa. Terry also enjoyed spending time with his son, Jeremy and going to movies together. He was proud of Jeremy’s career with the State of Iowa and that he had purchased his first home. 

He loved his trips back home to northeastern Iowa to see his friends and family. He was so happy to see so many friends at his daughter’s graduation party. It truly meant the world to him. They say it takes a village, and the family has the best friends who have truly become family. He loved them all so much.

Terry and Tracy were just getting settled into being empty nesters and had all kinds of things they wanted to do. Tracy was fortunate enough to be working from home since March 2020. She got to spend every day with her best friend 24/7. Life is short. Take the vacation – buy the shoes – eat cake.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Tracy; two children, Jeremy and Emma; brothers, Doug, Randy (Kathy) and Mark; father-in-law, Del Zmolek; brother-in-law, Patrick (Jennifer) Zmolek; sister-in-law, Gwen (Steve) Beck; numerous nieces, nephews and friends; and his beloved dog, Max. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Phyllis Kach, and his son, Chad. 

Memorial contributions can be sent to the family for Emma’s Education Fund, The Marine Corps Toys for Tots or the Ankeny Sparkle Run.