Terry “TK” Michael Kach, of Ankeny, passed away peacefully and comfortably with his wife at his side on Oct. 5 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital due to complications from Covid.
He leaves behind his wife, Tracy Kach; son Jeremy; and daughter Emma.
Terry was born in Cedar Rapids on Aug. 21, 1948, to Donald and Phyllis (Halse) Kach. He was joined at home by brother Doug and later brothers Mark and Randy. There were many shenanigans had on the farm. He truly loved his brothers and they had a special bond.
Terry graduated from Cresco High School. Terry was drafted and was a part of the Marine Corps and did service 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 was a driven professional 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 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. I don’t think he ever told her no. Our favorite family time was spent at the Iowa State Fair every August and we looked forward to that every year. He was so proud to see Emma graduate from AHS 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 of you at his daughter’s graduation party. It truly meant the world to him that you were here. They say it takes a village and we have the best friends that have truly become family. He loved you 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. 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; two children; and his brothers Doug, Randy (Kathy) and Mark; father-in-law Del Zmolek; brother-in-law Patrick (Jennifer) Zmolek; and sister-in-law Gwen (Steve) Beck; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Also, his beloved dog, Max.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Chad.
Terry requested to be cremated and will be laid to rest next to his son, Chad, in Jefferson. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff at Iowa Lutheran CICU for their excellent care, especially Emily, Charlie, Sarah and Ashley.
Memorial contributions can be sent to the family for Emma’s Education Fund, the Marine Corps Toys for Tots or the Ankeny Sparkle Run.