Paul TerHorst

WOOD DALE - Claiming to have been "born in a tailpipe," classic car enthusiast Paul TerHorst had a colorful phrase for nearly every situation, was rarely at a loss for words and never missed a party, especially if it involved his many friends from numerous classic car clubs. He also loved spending time with family, including his wife, Jean TerHorst, to whom he was married 57 years and who preceded him in death, his three daughters and his seven grandchildren.

A true character, Paul frequently said that when he was born "they broke the mold," and upon learning of his passing, his friends said he was a "legend" and it was the "end of an era." He typically wore iconic suspenders that looked like tape measures so that when people commented on them he could ask "Do I measure up?" He was born in Buffalo, New York, the only child of Bernard and Alice TerHorst. He insisted he had to walk to school every day through five feet of snow, no matter the season. He fell in love with "olde" cars at an early age, and while he couldn't wait to leave Buffalo's weather behind, he retained his love of beef on weck sandwiches and Bocce pizza.

He graduated from Buffalo State Teachers College (now State University of New York at Buffalo), where he met Jean, received a Master's Degree from Michigan State University, and was a driver's education instructor in Boca Raton, Florida, before settling in Buffalo Grove, Illinois where he worked for Allstate, and then as a compliance officer for the Illinois Board of Education. But his true passion was classic cars.

When he moved to Illinois in the 1960s, Paul started the Packards of Chicagoland car club and was a member of numerous other clubs, including the Greater Illinois Region Classic Car Club of America (GIRCCCA) and the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). He planned his life around car shows (Concours d'Elegance), caravans (destination/ driving trips) and swap meets. The highlight of the year was the road trip he and a group of friends took every October to the AACA meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he bought and sold car parts and memorabilia. Surrounded by people effused with the same passion, he was in his element.

Paul and Jean enjoyed travel, and took their young daughters on long summer driving trips throughout the country. When driving west, Paul insisted his daughters get out of the car and walk into California. He and Jean traveled to Europe, Greece and Alaska in later years. In addition to his daughters, Cheryl terHorst (Burt Constable), Karen TerHorst (Perry Pollock) and Laurie (David) Jacobs, Paul is survived by six grandsons, Ross, Benjamin and Wilson Constable, Klee and Bryce Pollock and Logan Jacobs, and one granddaughter, Sydney Jacobs.

A celebration of life for Paul will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 West Cermak Road, Forest Park, Illinois 60130.

MASKS ARE REQUIRED.

In lieu of gifts/flowers, please consider a donation to JourneyCare Hospice (journeycare.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnchicago.com for the Terhorst family.