Terry Allen von Asten

• Visitation
  • Monday, May 10th at Heritage Funeral Homes, 9200 S. 27th St., Oak Creek, from 11am – 1pm
• Funeral
  • Monday, May 10th at Heritage Funeral Homes, 9200 S. 27th St., Oak Creek, at 1pm

Terry Allen von Asten passed away early Wednesday morning, May 5th 2021 at the age of 58 with his beloved sister Janet Moon at his side. Terry was the fulfillment of life.  He was always there for family and friends, whether with a kind helping hand or a funny story to relate. He loved making people laugh as well as feel good about themselves, and their particular circumstance at the moment.  Terry always had a zest for life and lived every minute of his life with unbridled enthusiasm, along with a sparkling exuberance towards life.  The toughness he exhibited throughout life’s roadblocks was commendable as well as admirable.  Eighteen years ago exactly, earlier this week, Terry underwent the very stressing critical surgery of a heart transplant recipient. The courage he displayed was admirable.  To say he was a fighter would be an understatement.  He was tenacious when it came to courage and the perseverance associated with such a critical endeavor.  Terry lived his whole life exhibiting the heroics involved in sustaining life year in and year out after such an arduous surgery. This same exceptional tenacity became very evident one month ago when he was informed that he had just days to weeks to live due to multiple organ failures.  His body had worn itself out, but not his defiant ungiving spirit. Terry looked this devastating diagnosis right in the eye, head on and met it with exceeding valor. He bravely fought this battle with admirable courage.  He put it in Gods hands and prepared himself to enter Gods Kingdom. Terry was at peace.

As a pastry chef Terry could make just about anything one can imagine, from great desserts to main course delicacies, in as far as the culinary indulgences can aspire to be.

When it came to humor Terry had an uncanny knack. It definitely was one of his best trademarks.  He could light up a room with his humor.  There never was a time when he was not lifting another’s spirits with a great joke.  He so loved to make others happy and feel good about themselves.

Terry is survived by his siblings Lynda (Jim) Padgett, Jay vonAsten, Janet (Reagan) Moon, and Tim (Sherrie) vonAsten. He is also survived by the love of his life Lori vonAsten, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncle, and other relatives, as well as many friends.  Terry was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Audrey vonAsten and grandparents the vonAsten’s and Browns.  One very special occurrence Terry was so looking forward to was meeting his heart donor, Ben Lammon who unselfishly gave Terry the gift of life for an additional 18 years of life.  That wonderful meeting has now finally occurred.

Visitation at Heritage Funeral Home 9200 South 27th Street Oak Creek, WI. will be on Monday, May 10^th from 11am-1pm, followed by the funeral service at 1pm.  Graveside Interment will then immediately follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park, Oak Creek, WI.

The Family would like to express their grateful appreciation to the doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s hospital cardiac ICU Milwaukee, WI. and to the staff, nurses, and caregivers at Hospice Alliance in Kenosha, Wisconsin for their wonderful passionate care of Terry.

Finally, as Terry was a grateful heart recipient 18 years ago.  The family sincerely thanks his donor Ben Lammon for the gift of Life.

Memorials to the American Transplant Foundation appreciated.