Terry Pletch, 79, of rural Frankfort passed away on August 25, 2026 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana after a short, unexpected illness. He was born September 4, 1946 to Joe Bill Pletch and Maxine (Freeman) and Lester McDonald in Frankfort, Indiana. He married Brenda Felix on August 12, 1977 and she survives.
In 1978 Terry established Pletch Pools, where he found joy in creating places for families to gather. Terry had a thrill for adrenaline. He was a professional motorcycle racer in the 1960’s and 1970’s where he was awarded an AMA National number. He had a sprint car career with 98 national USAC starts from 1982-2006 along with many other local and national wins, which included the 2000 Master’s Classic at Knoxville Raceway, in his Pletch Pools #29, retiring at the age of 60. Terry famously won the Indiana Sprint Week round at Terre Haute Action Track in 1999 going from 21st to 1st, even though he sported a flat front right tire—which became one of the most iconic moments in USAC history. In the pre-race interview, Terry predicted his win, “Good Lord willing!” Terry was also involved with Jimmy Swaggart Ministries which supported his passion of spreading the Gospel to all he could hold captive. Above all, Terry loved God and his family, never one to disappoint or discourage. He was always generous, everyone’s biggest supporter, and only an ask away–with silicone, duct tape, or Jesus–which could fix anything.
Surviving are: his wife, Brenda; his children, Anita (Jeff) Stewart, Teresa Pletch, Joy Freeman, Kimberly (Brian) Davis, Bart Pletch, Ashlee (Craig) Huffman, and Gina (DJ) Pletch; his grandchildren, Misty, Brandon, Samantha, Brandon, Taylor, Makinna, Tyler, Tori, Brody, Ava, and Graham; five great-grandchildren; his brother, Larry (Donna) Pletch; his sisters, Debbie Corbin and Vicki Henson; as well as extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Bill and Maxine and Lester.
Friends may visit from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, August 31 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St, Frankfort. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m. with a private family burial. A Celebration of Life will follow the services beginning at 1 p.m. at the home of Bart Pletch, 7960 W Mulberry Jefferson Rd, Mulberry, IN 46058. All are welcome to join the family for this gathering. Goodwin Funeral Home is honored to assist the Pletch family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Racers for Christ, 1303 S Longmore, Suite 7, Mesa, AZ 85202-9607, www.teamrfc.org. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com where you may leave a condolence with the family.