John Terpening

Closed casket services are scheduled at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 1, at First United Methodist Church for John H. Terpening, Artesia, New Mexico. Mr. Terpening, 77, died Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at his home. Rev. Paul Dean Duerksen assisted by Jim Dunlap will officiate at the services. Interment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites. Pallbearers will be nephews Lynn Terpening, Henry Terpening, and Roy Terpening, grandson Bobby Terpening, and friends Dwight Menefee and Charlie Ebarb. All area Square Dancers have been designated as honorary pallbearers. John was born February 14, 1926 in Artesia; the son of John Henry Terpening, Sr. and Rita Stanley Terpening. He was a lifelong Artesia resident, graduating with the Artesia High School class of 1945. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and returned to attend New Mexico AM in Las Cruces. On December 31, 1947 he was married to Evolyn Dunlap in Tatum, N.M. He was a retired Postal Clerk; retiring on May 31, 1983 after 35 years. He was a 50 year member of First United Methodist Church; and member of the New Mexico Square Round Dance Association where he served as president in 1988 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1994. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and being with family. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister Mary Louise Terpening. Survivors include his wife Evolyn Terpening of the family home; a son Alan Terpening and wife Mary Dawn of Carlsbad, N.M.; a daughter Martha Johnson and husband John of St. Louis, Mo.; brothers Lyle Terpening and wife Mary Evelyn of Artesia and Andrew L. Terpening and wife Johanna of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church - Box 1492 - Artesia, NM 88211 or to Lakeview Christian Hospice Care - 1300 N. Canal - Carlsbad, NM 88220.