Terry “Tag” Sohm, 74, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at his home in Le Mars surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. Joseph Church in Le Mars. Father Andrew Sohm celebrated Mass with priests from the Sioux City Catholic Diocese and the Archdiocese of Omaha concelebrating. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Military honors were provided by the 185th Air Refueling Wing Honor Guard, Wasmer American Legion Post 241 of Le Mars, and the Carlson-Frum American Legion Post 336 of Danbury, Iowa. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.
Terry Leon Sohm was born May 4, 1950, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, the firstborn child of Leon F. and Delores J. (Lill) Sohm. He was soon baptized into the Catholic Faith at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Danbury. Tag, as he was commonly nicknamed, grew up on the family farm northwest of Danbury. He became instrumental in following in his dad’s footsteps with the daily chores.
Terry started his formal education at the Catholic School in town and moved into the Danbury Public School in second grade. He was an excellent student graduating from Maple Valley High School. Terry decided to further his education in agriculture by attending and graduating from Iowa State University in February of 1973 with a degree in animal science.
In 1969, while in college, Terry enlisted in the 185th Iowa Air National Guard TFG located in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. He was assigned to their medical unit. He was honorably discharged in 1975 and reenlisted in 1992 into POL of the 185th for an additional 18 years. He officially retired on May 3, 2010, as a Master Sergeant. While in the service, he was able to visit and train throughout the United States and the world. Terry was affectionately referred to as Big Country while in the Guard, a name he took great pride in.
He was united in marriage to Cherie Ann Delaney on June 9, 1973, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sioux City. They made their home on a farm near Danbury, Iowa, where he farmed and raised livestock. After 25 years, they moved from the farm to Le Mars, Iowa where Terry worked for Wells Blue Bunny. After Wells, he went to work for All Saints Parish in Le Mars as the custodian at St. Joseph Catholic Church until his retirement. Here, he met his dear friend, Carol Garvin, the church secretary. They enjoyed coffee each morning with baked goods Carol provided. Fr. Richter said Terry never needed a watch as he knew exactly when it was 10:00 A.M. sharp!
Terry was devoted to his Catholic faith and was an active member of All Saints Catholic Parish in Le Mars. Praying the rosary on his knees was the first thing he did each morning. He always kept a rosary on the rearview mirror in every vehicle. After buckling up, he would grab the rosary down and everyone would pray out loud together for a safe trip. He was a 3rd Degree member of the Trinity Council 1466 of the Knights of Columbus in Le Mars, where he served as the Financial Secretary for 12 years. He was also a 4th Degree member of the Fr. Michael J. McGivney Assembly 3088 of the Knights of Columbus in Le Mars.
He was a longtime member of the Carlson-Frum American Legion Post 336 of Danbury, IA. Later he also became a member of the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 of Le Mars. Terry was honored to visit Washington, D.C. in the spring of 2024 through the Bushy Creek Honor Flight program out of Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was forever grateful for this opportunity and often said, “It was the best day of my life!” Over the years Terry enjoyed driving his antique tractor, caring for horses, watching polka on TV, eating Chick-fil-A, cheering on the Cyclones and Hawkeyes, visiting the Queen of Peace, and countless hours spent in Eucharistic Adoration.
His family was his greatest joy! He loved when they were all together more than anything else in the world. He took great pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson participate in all their activities. Bompa, another nickname given to him by his oldest grandson, was his most treasured name of all. For five years he volunteered in his daughter, Mel’s first-grade classroom listening to her kids read. He thought it was so neat that all of her students started calling him Bompa as well. He still gets called that today by all of the Gehlen kids whenever he attends an activity, and it always made him smile.
Those left to cherish Terry’s life are his wife, Cherie, of Le Mars, and their children: Amy (Tate) Benson of Kingsley, IA. Father Andrew Sohm of Omaha, NE, Melissa (Mark) Anderson of Parker, SD, and Emily (Josh) Gries of Le Mars, IA; 8 grandchildren: Drew Lehmann, Emerson Benson, Dylan Lehmann, Hannah Gries, Preston Benson, Haley Gries, Dane Lehmann, and Harper Gries; one great-grandson, Kyson Reintzel; his siblings: Randy (Susie) Sohm of Danbury, IA, Cindy Armstrong of Danbury, IA, and Fred (Lynn) Sohm of Sioux City, IA; his in-laws: Kathy (Phil) Tobias, John (Dianne) Delaney, and John Dye all of Sioux City, IA; and several nieces and nephews as well as the countless friends he met along the way. He cherished his relationships with all his cousins, especially the Barkmeiers from Lake City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Delores Sohm; his father and mother-in-law, Dick and Doris Delaney; and his in-laws, Grant Armstrong Jr. and Mary Dye.
