Walter Terry Nieuwlandt

Terry (as he was known to his family and friends, so as not to be confused with his father Walter) was born in Long Beach, California, to Walter and Winifred Nieuwlandt. He attended Cantwell High School in Montebello, CA. (now Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School), and, in 1957, graduated with a degree in commerce from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to her Senior year, in 1952, his future wife Merle’s family moved to California and she attended nearby Sacred Heart of Mary School in Montebello. Terry met Merle during their senior year; they married in 1956 and, after living in South Bend, Indiana, and Whittier, La Habra and Santa Ana California, they settled in Placentia, California (1969-present).

Terry and Merle raised six children. He was heavily involved in his children’s education and activities, including volunteering for many years with his sons’ Boy Scout troop. He also volunteered at the churches he attended throughout his adult life (St. Barbara and St. Joseph Catholic churches). Memories of camping at the beach, road trips in the car or motorhome, backpacking trips, and Terry’s love of the Fighting Irish and Angels baseball are cherished by the family. He was blessed with many decades-long friendships, including friendships that were initiated before and during high school. Bowling, pinochle nights and holiday parties were frequent activities he and Merle shared with friends. He also valued his many friends in the neighborhood, visiting with many of them on his daily walks with his dog Toby.

Following college, Terry held a couple of short-term jobs before beginning his 30+ year career with Autonetics in Anaheim, CA (through a series of mergers, the company became Rockwell International and eventually Boeing). As a “side job,” Terry also worked for many years in concessions at Anaheim Stadium. Together with his wife Merle, he loved time with family and making holidays special. Their home remained a hub for family celebrations and get-togethers until his passing.

Terry is survived by his six married children and their spouses - Mike (Pamela), Kathy Bergh (Steve), Jeanne Kooker (Wayne), Dan (Stephanie), Nancy Hernandez (Ed), and Julia Grenier (Andy) – and 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Terry is also survived by his sister Janet and his brothers Mark and Tony. He was preceded in death by his wife Merle, his parents Walter and Winifred, and his sisters Marilyn and Lynn.

Terry’s funeral will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 717 N. Bradford Avenue, Placentia, on Friday, February 9, at 10:30 AM. A reception in the church hall will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic School (801 Bradford Ave, Placentia, CA 92870).