Terry Tjaden

Terry Tjaden, 82, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at The Summit of Bettendorf in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Schultz Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Summit of Bettendorf on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in the Community Room, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Private burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Terry A. Tjaden was born June 28, 1943, in Peoria, Illinois, to Dale and Ruth (Bormann) Tjaden. He grew up in DeWitt, Iowa, where he graduated from DeWitt High School in 1961. After moving to Des Moines, he met Barbara Jean Catlett. They were married at the United Methodist Church on September 1, 1967, in Des Moines. Their union was blessed with a son, Dion. They later divorced.

Terry’s first job in Des Moines was as a machinist. After a short time, he moved to California, where he worked for several aerospace companies, most notably McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Following its merger with Boeing in 1997, he left his beloved Huntington Beach home and was transferred first to Oregon, and later to Washington. Because of otosclerosis, a disease affecting the bones of the inner ear, Terry was unable to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot and instead focused his career behind the scenes in aviation. He worked as an Aerial Control Computer Programmer Specialist, helping design and produce aircraft wings. He retired from Boeing in 2009.

Terry was an avid motorcyclist and Cadillac lover. His prize ride was his ‘61 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Convertible, which he restored and showcased at many car shows while living in Huntington Beach. Terry loved time spent with his son. They traveled to many places in the U.S. together. Returning to Iowa for class reunions was always meaningful to Terry, particularly the chance to see his lifelong friend Dave Birney, his best friend since school days. In 2022, declining health necessitated his move home to Iowa to be near family.

Terry is survived by his son, Dion of Duarte, CA; a sister, Joy (Kevin) Marik; nieces, Erica (Jose) Schroeder-Cerda, and Kori Belk; a nephew, Scott (Becky) Schroeder; and several great nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, a brother, Todd, and his uncle, Byron Tjaden.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff of The Summit of Bettendorf and St. Croix Hospice for the outstanding compassion and meaningful relationships built with Terry during his time in their care, with heartfelt thanks to Marquan, who developed an enduring connection and friendship with Terry.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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