Obituary of Terry M. Cunningham

Terry M. Cunningham, 62, of Iowa City, died peacefully with loved ones at his side, Thursday, March 19th at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City. A celebration of Terry's life will be held at one of his favorite places, Uptown Bill's on Saturday, March 28th at 2:30 p.m. Memorials in his name may be directed to Extend the Dream Foundation. Terry M. Cunningham was born March 14, 1953 in Mason City, Iowa; son of Larry and Mariann (Deming) Cunningham. While still in high school, Terry was involved in an accident that would leave him with quadriplegia which would alter the course of his life. He earned his BA from Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota and went onto earn a Master's of Science in Rehabilitation from Drake University. With his education he would put himself in a capacity to help many others affected by physical or mental disability serving at Goodwill from 1978 through 1986 in various roles, most notably as VP/Director of Work Resources, VP/Director of Human Resources, Director of Rehabilitation/Personnel and Director of Personnel Placement. Since 2003, Terry was employed as a Program Coordinator for the University of Iowa in the Center for Disabilities and Development. He had also been serving actively on many boards including PATV CH. 13, Extend the Dream Foundation, Johnson Co. Task Force on Aging, Iowa Independent Living Council as well as numerous other current and former affiliations. Terry was awarded Handicapped Iowa of the Year in 1987 and was an ARC of SE Iowa Hall of Fame Inductee in 2011. Terry was recognized statewide as a passionate advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, including their right to live and work in the community of their choice, to not be institutionalized against their will, and for compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Terry's family includes his siblings, Sharon Foulk (Harold) of Le Grand, Guy Cunningham (Patricia Wengert) of Des Moines, Todd Cunningham of Des Moines and Jay Cunningham (Beth) of New Kent, VA; brothers-in-law, Mike Ellis of Marshalltown and Roger Freiboth of Le Grand; sister-in-law, Christi Cox of Des Moines and very dear friend, Starla Elsberry who had helped Terry enjoy life, gave him endless love and special care during his illness. Terry adored his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Casey Cunningham and sisters, Cristin Freiboth and Julie Ellis.