Terry L. Krommenhoek

Terrance “Terry” Lee Krommenhoek, 84, passed away after a long illness Friday, February 3, 2023, with his loving wife of 59 years at his side.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at First Lutheran Church with Reverend Kristine Stedje officiating.  Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.  Private family burial will be at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com. 

Terry was born April 7, 1938, to Harry and Ruth (King) Krommenhoek in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended Smith Elementary, West Jr., and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1957. After high school, he worked for the Great Northern Railroad and joined the Navy Reserve. He joined the Sioux City Fire Department in 1966. He was also an EMT and taught CPR at Western Iowa Tech. He retired as a captain of the Sioux City Fire Department in 1988 due to a job-related injury. He then spent a short time as a car and truck salesman for Sioux City Team Ford. 

His love of training his own personal hunting dogs eventually launched him into a career as a professional. He began training in 1961 and became a professional trainer in 1967, while also being employed full-time with the fire department, where he used his off-days and vacations to compete in field trials. After his retirement from the fire department, he began training full-time. Terry and his wife, Fran, operated K-hawk Kennels for many years. They traveled all over the US, with their kids joining to help with the horses and dogs.

Terry was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing. He also was a member of several clubs. He was a founding member and president of the Sioux City Strollers Club, a member of the Hawkeye Brittany Club, president of the Central West Field Trial Club, founding member and president of the Ringneck GSP club, member of Pheasants Forever, member of the Hawkeye Rifle and Gun Club, Sioux City cowboy group known as The Sioux City Gang, a S.A.S.S. (Single Action Shooting Society) member, a member of the Nebraska Territorial Rangers club, and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

Terry met the love of his life, Frances E. Van Rennes, in 1962, with a cast on his leg and a puppy under his arm. They married June 29, 1963, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sioux City. They were longtime members of First Lutheran Church in Sioux City, Iowa. To this union, two children were born, Matthew and Jennifer. Terry was a devoted husband and father, coaching both little league and softball, and never missing a single one of his kids’ games.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Frannie, son Matt (Cathy) Krommenhoek of Le Mars, daughter Jennifer (Terry) Svendsen of Sioux City, grandchildren Shaelee Barreras, Lindsey Barreras, Autumn Svendsen, Noah Krommenhoek, and step-grandchildren Nichole Tonner, Mitchel Mack, Austin Krommenhoek, Nick Svendsen, Austin Svendsen, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, brothers Loren (LaVonne) Krommenhoek of Le Mars, Harry (MaryAnn) Krommenhoek of South Sioux City, Dave (Carol) Krommenhoek of Sergeant Bluff, and step-sister Kathie Schull of Sioux City.

Terry is preceded in death by his father Harry, mother Ruth, and step-father Jim Kelly.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Bickford Cottage/Memory Loss of Sioux City and Hospice of Siouxland. Memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church.