He was born August 10, 1914 in Pella, Iowa the son of Coe and Grace Housenga Tervelt. On June 4, 1938 he married Ruth Pietenpol in Pella, Iowa. She survives.

Al was a graduate of Erie High School (Illinois) and Central College in Pella, Iowa. He received his Masters Degree and additional work toward his doctorate from the University of Illinois. Al was a Principal in Morrison, IL and West Des Moines, IA and Washington, IA. He came to Quincy in 1946 and was Principal at Jackson and Emerson schools, and was the first Principal at Adams School retiring in 1980. He was Professor in summers at the University of Maine, Kansas State University, Central College and Western Illinois University.

He was President of Illinois State Principal's Organization, and was on the board of Chaddock School, Quincy Symphony, Quincy Society of Fine Arts and chairman of the United Fund in 1962. Al was active with the Quincy Antique Car Club. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he had been an elder.

Survivors also include a son, Paul Tervelt of Milwaukee, WI; a daughter, Joan Duessler and husband Steve of New London, MO; 2 grandchildren, Shawn Brecka and Angelina Welsh, both of Leadville, CO; 2 great grandchildren, Kendra and Dylan, and a brother, Kenneth Tervelt and wife Betty of Fenton, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Harold.

Services will be Friday, December 28, 2007 at 11:30 am in Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Duffy and Chaplain Steve Disseler officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, December 27 from 4-6 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fenton Cemetery, Fenton, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Charity of the Donor's Choice. Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.