Terry Bride

Terry Bride passed away on Friday, February 27th, 2026, after a brief stay at Pioneer Valley Living and Rehab in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. He was born on January 27th, 1936, in Henry Township, Plymouth County, Iowa, to Edward and Dorothy (Carter) Bride.

Terry's early life was spent in Henry Township, where he attended grade school before advancing to Kingsley High School, graduating in 1954. He began his career with various jobs in the Cherokee area until 1957, when he moved to Fairmont, Minnesota, to work for Walnut Grove Products Co. In 1960, he transitioned to Sioux City, where he dedicated over three decades to the Sioux City Stockyards, working for Lee Livestock Commission, Gehan, and Beeson Livestock. Following this, Terry contributed another 15 years as a full and part-time employee at FIMCO Manufacturing, alongside his passion for small engine repair, which he conducted from home for many years, becoming a certified warranty dealer for numerous small engine companies. He also shared his knowledge by teaching adult small engine repair night classes at Western Iowa Tech Community College during the late 1970s.

Terry was an active member of the So Sioux City NE Eagles Club for 47 years, where he held every office, including president from 1982 to 1984. Alongside Lavonne, he organized singles dances at the Eagles Club for a remarkable 26 years, from 1988 until 2014. Terry enjoyed outdoor activities, including camping and fishing, and had a passion for playing cards, gardening, and traveling. His community involvement extended to being a member of Morningside Lutheran Church, the Siouxland Fly Fishing Club, the Scandinavian Societies, and the American Legion Post 697.

In 1958, Terry married Laura Smith in Fairmont, Minnesota, and together they welcomed four children: Dianna, Debbie, Mary, and Kenny. This union ended in divorce in November 1978. He later married Lavonne Paulsen in 1981.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Lavonne; his daughters, Dianna Suggitt, Debbie (Mike) Van Waart of Sioux City, Iowa, and Mary (Bruce) Golden of Sergeant Bluff; his son, Kenny (Micki) Bride of Sioux City; as well as Lavonne's children, John Paulsen of Seattle, Washington, and Karen (Simon) Mouhanna of Woodinville, Washington. He was a proud grandfather to April (Pat) Ruden, Kara (Xerxes) Avis, Tylie (Jon) Lange, Tonya and Jessica Golden, Jacob Bride, Kelsie (Trev) Engel, Stephen and Nathan Mouhanna, and had 10 great-grandchildren. Terry is also survived by his sister, Judy Huennekens of Orange, California, and several nephews and nieces. He leaves behind in-laws Shirley Schwab of Lamoni, Iowa, Marilyn Behrends of Wiota, Iowa, and Gary (Connie) Esbeck of Naples, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tony, sister-in-law Judy of Sloan, Iowa, and several in-laws, including Earl and Erma Esbeck of Atlantic, Iowa, along with brothers-in-law Gary Schwab of Lamoni, Iowa and Don Huennekens of Orange, California, and Bruce Behrends of Wiota, Iowa.

Terry's legacy lives on through the cherished memories of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.