Terry L Schaack

Terry was born in Waterloo, Iowa, the youngest child of Theodore and Cecelia Schaack. He met his life-long high school sweetheart, Diana Pechota, in 1962. Terry graduated from Columbus High School in 1965. The summer of 1967 they were married. Eleven days later, Terry entered the US Army. By Christmas, Terry was in Vietnam with the 1st Air Cavalry Division Airmobile. Terry was a Tet Offensive survivor and very proud of his attachment to the 1st Calvary Airmobile Division artillery unit. He was awarded the

National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter, and in 2021 received the Air Assault Badge at Ft Hood, Texas at the 100th Anniversary of the 1st Cavalry Division celebration. After completion of his military service, he returned to Iowa where he resumed his career in the auto body repair business. He and his wife owned and operated an auto body/wrecker/used car shop in Iowa.

In 1987, they relocated to Ormond Beach, where he continued his career at Jon Hall Honda for 24 years before retiring in 2011. He had many passions, including restoring 50’s and 60’s cars, especially Mercurys and Mustangs, and any kind of 50’s memorabilia. He looked forward to NHRA and NASCAR.

In 1990 he joined the Daytona Beach Street Rods. At the Turkey Run Car Show, he ran the show car Gate 70 for 36 years. Terry especially enjoyed working with his family and grandsons on the show gate. He joined Vietnam Veterans of America Daytona Beach Chapter 1048 as a lifetime member and was elected to the Board of Directors. As part of the Vietnam Education Team, he was finally able to tell his story of Vietnam to students at area High Schools and Daytona State College. He was proud to be a Color Guard member for the chapter and served as the bugler for memorials and special events. He looked forward to the Memorial Day, holiday parades and Wreaths Across America. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3282 in Port Orange. Terry was a member and co-curator for the Vietnam room at the Veterans Museum and Education Center in Daytona Beach. He recreated many pieces of military memorabilia and was proud to have created the Vietnam Welcome Home Wall and a special tribute to K-9 dogs in Vietnam..

His biggest joys were his family. At Christmas, he would make handmade gifts from “stuff” lying around. He looked forward to attending his grandsons' sporting and school events, and to their annual summer vacations exploring military museums. He especially enjoyed showing them around Iowa. In 2017 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Gatlinburg with family.

He leaves to cherish his memory: the love of his life his wife, Diana HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS – PARTNERS FOR LIFE, his son, Brian, wife Paula and grandsons, Wade & Chance Schaack; his daughter, Kerrie, husband Dennis, grandsons Jake & Tucker Lyke, mother-in-law Zelda Pechota; sisters Marlyne Steimel & Francis (Howard) Broderson plus several nephews and nieces in Florida, Iowa and Texas. He was most appreciative of the many friends he met along the way, especially those who stood by him during his battle with Agent Orange Leukemia and Bone Marrow cancer.. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lorraine, and brothers, David & LaVern.

A private family Christian Mass will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with full military honors.. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.