Raymond "Ray" Perry

Raymond G. "Ray" Perry, 85, of Crystal Falls, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at Northstar Health System in Iron River. Ray was born March 9, 1928 in Crystal Falls, son of the late Thomas and Elsie (Pederson) Perry. He graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1945 and lived in the area for most of his life. Following graduation, Ray enlisted in the Merchant Marines for a short time prior to joining the United States Army. He served his country for seven years and was stationed in the U.S. and Germany. Ray married Helen Eckola on January 9, 1954 in Crystal Falls. Ray continued his schooling at Michigan Tech University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked as a mechanical engineer for many years and also drove bus for the Forest Park School District. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union for over 40 years and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employee's Union for several years. Ray was a faithful, long-time member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and was ordained a priest of the church in 1990. He enjoyed woodworking, collecting model trains, and making gifts for his family using his leather tooling skills. Ray is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen; five children, Tom (Tonya) Perry of Ishpeming, Susan Sullenger of Marquette, Henry (Roxann) Perry, Jean Thoreson and Christine Perry, all of Crystal Falls; 12 grandchildren, Jake Perry, Meg Holeva, Melissa Robertson, Katherine Sullenger, Justin, Kelsey & Haley Perry, Jenn Gustafson, Joanna Battan, Jamie Krueger, and Patrick & Emily Hendricks; nine great grandchildren; two sisters, Carol (Bil) Premo of Escanaba and Patt (Allan) Alft of Kansas City, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Ronald Sullenger. Visitation will be on Monday, April 29, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Crystal Falls. A memorial service will follow at 12:00pm on Monday at the church. Rev. Manuel Padilla will officiate. The Eastside Veterans Council will conduct a Pass-In-Review with Military Honors prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northstar Health System Respiratory Therapy Unit. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Raymond "Ray" Perry online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Raymond "Ray" Perry

April 23, 1928 - April 23, 2013