Terry was born on February 28, 1958, in Des Moines, Iowa to Lawrence and LaVoy Niklawski. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1976. He married Kristin (Kasdorf) Niklawski on April 30, 1994. A few years later, Terry and Kris were blessed with a son Andrew Lawrence Niklawski and the trio resided on an acreage in rural Cumming, Iowa.
After graduating high school, Terry became a Mechanic at British Motors where he acquired a knack for working on cars that he carried on throughout his life. Following this, he worked as a Senior Repair Technician at Gillum Camera. Terry then went on to become a +20-year employee at EMC Insurance Companies, where he served as an IT Technical Analyst.
In his free time, Terry enjoyed cycling, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He was a resourceful and analytical problem solver with a do-it-yourself attitude, who could fix virtually anything. He was a true family man with a kind and gentle spirit. He will be remembered for his quick wit, practical nature, and loving heart.
Terry is survived by his wife, Kristin; son, Andrew; sister Nancy (Rick) Gass of Urbandale; brother Mike (Connie) Niklawski of West Des Moines; brother Steve (Jean) Niklawski of Richmond, Virginia; brother Jim (Joyce Norris) Niklawski of West Des Moines; and 1 niece, 9 nephews, and many extended family members. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Lawrence and LaVoy Niklawski.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Iowa Donor Network.
