Joyce Teri Ferguson
December 29, 1931 ~ October 17, 2009
Joyce 'Teri' Ferguson, 77, of Cedar Rapids, died at home on Saturday, October 17, 2009 of cancer. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 22, 2009, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, by the Rev. Christopher Podhajsky. Friends may call from 5 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Burial: Watkins Cemetery, Watkins, Iowa. Teri is survived by her children, Jamie (Mark) Young of Cedar Rapids, Ross (Susie) Ferguson of Cedar Rapids, Scott Ferguson of Iowa City; two brothers, Grant Wessling of Atkins and Dick Wessling of Watkins; eight grandchildren, Matthew, Luke, Samuel, David, Grant and Chase Ferguson, Shawntel Young, and Tiffany (Brian) Jergenson; and two great grandchildren, Gwenyth and Camden Jergenson. Teri was born December 29, 1931, in rural Marengo, Iowa, the daughter of William and Ethel (Walter) Wessling. She married James W. Ferguson in 1955. Teri was an executive assistant for Congressman and then Senator John Culver for 16 years and went on to work for the US Postal Service, where she retired. She was a devout member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, active in the St. Monica Circle and several other religious organizations. She had a strong sense of civic duty and served on numerous committees, many within the Democratic Party. Teri generously contributed to her favorite charities and touched the lives of so many young children. She was passionate about gardening and nature and could make anything grow. Teri will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Teri was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jim Wessling; and sister, Shirley Leichsenring. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church or Hospice of Mercy.
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I worked along side Teri for a number of years at the Cedar Rapids post office. She was one of the most gentle and kind people I ever knew. I always will remember when I left Cedar Rapids for Ottumwa in 1986, she had the going away party for me at her home.
Sympathies especially to Jamie and Tom W from one of the old war horses.
Dear Jamie, Ross, Scott and all the extended family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s death. Teri was a saint. She treated me just like her own son, and I know Jack would say the same. She loved all of you and was so proud of her children. I really never was over to your house much before high school, but in the neighborhood it was well know where the “Ferg” boys lived and that pretty sister of theirs. Once I started coming over, your Mom always treated me so special. She genuinely cared for all of your friends (feeding most of us at a moments notice)even when we imposed on her getting her sleep! I’m sorry Teri. I loved you Mom and will miss her. Be good to eachother. Tom and Robin Kenney (and all the Kenneys)
Jamie,
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mother. She was always so professional and efficient, but most of all so kind. May the wonderful momeries of your Mother help to ease your loss.
Sincerely,
Colleen Eckhart
Jamie, I remember well your mother. She was kind and loving. She always was concerned about your well-being. I hope the precious memories you have of her will ease the loss.
Woody Swartzendruber
Jamie: sorry to hear about yourMom.Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you and your family. Ed & Margaret
Retired Postal supervisor
Dear Scott and Ross:
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Rollie
Jamie,
I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. The first time I ever met your mom was the day we both took the entrace test for the Postal Service!! She was a beautiful person.
May God’s blessings be upon you and help you and your family through this time of grieving.
Jamie, Ross, & Scott:
It seems like yesterday when we chased each other across the yards of our homes. We had happiness in our hearts and joyful smiles upon our faces.
Today, we live this through our children and our grandchildren. To see their joy and happiness allows us to reflect upon happier times in our past and be secured in the hope of our tomorrows.
We are sorrowed with the loss of your mother, Aunt Teri. She always kept us in her thoughts.
We believe the life of Aunt Teri will be greatly missed; missed by family that loved her and the community in which she lived. We also believe that she will live-on in the lives of your children and grandchildren.
We apologize that we are not able to be with you. Please know that you, your family, and the spirit of Aunt Teri will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
John & Carol Pinckney
Dear Jamie, Ross and Scott,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing sway. I cannot even imagine the loss you must feel right now. I pray for “The God of all Comfort” to comfort your hearts like no one else can.
Living across the street from you as a kid, I always remember thinking how pretty and “together” your Mom seemed. Always full of energy and life. She always seemed so strong and kind full of joy.
Even though I won’t beable to make the funeral, I wanted you to know that you are in my prayers..I love you guys. Cynthia
Dear Scott, Ross and family. I began reading the Cedar Rapids Gazette online this year. My Mom left us in December and she was my window into CR. I read the obituaries now and that is how I learned of your Mother’s passing. Though I have not seen you since HS, I remember you well. We are older now and many of us are losing our parents. Some of us have even passed on. Still, it seems our time has come to say farewell to those who raised and nurtured us. I never met your Mom but from her photo she looks like she was a lively and spirited woman, not to mention beautiful. Now I know where you got your looks. My heart goes out to you now and in the coming days and months as you make peace with your grieving heart. I wish you solace in your memories. Karol Heppe, Class of ’76