Terry Leinen

Terry Leinen, born on September 3rd, 1949, in Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully on March 9th, 2025 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, lowa. He was the son of Victor and Helen Leinen, the first of five children.

Terry graduated from Dowling Catholic High School. During his young adult life, he came to know the Lord as his personal Savior and was a long time member of First Federated Church in Des Moines, Iowa. His life verse was, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Throughout his life, Terry worked at Iowa Credit Union League, Lennox, and Dahl’s Grocery Store. Some of Terry’s hobbies included playing fastpitch softball, the daily newspaper crossword puzzle, trivia nights, watching baseball (on TV and in person at Principal Park), and collecting baseball caps. He loved music and enjoyed watching and listening to his childrens’ and grandchildrens’ music concerts. Terry knew everything there was to know about Blues music and was a supporter of the local Blues music scene in Des Moines. 

Terry is survived by Jayne Stark (John), Joseph Leinen, Judith Bligh (David), Justine Cassidy (Justin). He is also survived by his grandchildren Ean, Evan, Emma, and Ella Stark, & Jemma Bligh, as well as his brother Randy Leinen, his sisters Tammi Libby and Shelli Bridgeman, his cousins Nancy Gardner and Jill Shelton and many other extended family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Victor & Helen Leinen, his sister Vikki (Leinen) Scholer, and brother-in-laws John Libby (Tammi) and Tom Scholer (Vikki) . 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 28th, 2025 at Mission Church (12001 Ridgemont Dr.) in Urbandale, lowa from 4-6pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Mental Health Grace Alliance (https://mentalhealthgracealliance.org/donate) in Terry's honor.