Ellsworth "Al" H. Perry

Ellsworth “Al” H. Perry, age 93, of Bates Township, Iron River, MI, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2018 at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center. Al was born July 30, 1924 in Iron River, MI; the son of the late Henry and Eva (Saxon) Perry.  He was a lifelong resident and attended the Iron River Schools, graduating from Iron River High School. He also attended and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science and apprenticed at John’s Funeral Home in Iron River. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and was a survivor of the sinking of the USS St. Louis in 1944 in Leyte Gulf off the Philippines. He was a recipient of the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with three campaign stars, World War II Victory Ribbon, and the Purple Heart. After being honorably discharged, he married Joyce Peterson, the love of his life, on January 11, 1947 and the couple made their home in Bates Township. They celebrated 58 wonderful years together before Joyce’s passing on July 31, 2005. Al was employed as an iron ore miner by the M.A. Hanna Mining Company, working at the Hiawatha #1 and #2 and the Homer-Wauseca Mines. A mining injury forced his retirement in 1968. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Iron River and served on the Church Board.  He was also a member of the American Legion Alfred Branchini Post #17 (serving as a Past Commander), the VFW, and he served on the Iron County Veterans Board. Al enjoyed many hobbies including rock and bottle collecting, attending his US Navy ship reunions, spending time with his family, and making jewelry.  He will be sadly missed and in our hearts forever. Al is survived by his children, Rick Perry of Waterford, MI, Barbara Perry of Iron Mountain, MI, David Perry (Richard Larkin) of Boston, MA, and Debra Perry of Lansing, MI; four grandchildren, Ian (Anne) Perry, Molly (William) Fox, Meghan Perry, and Emma (Kevin) Schulte; great grandchildren, Ana and Liam Norton and Mary and Eleanore Fox; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Perry of Chatfield, MN and Sue Perry of Boyne City, MI; caregiver, Kathleen Denoon; many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Al was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and William Perry and daughter-in-law, Anne Perry. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 24, 2018 from noon to 1:45 pm at the First Lutheran Church of Iron River.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm with Rev. Michael Laakko to officiate. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery.  The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the graveside. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ellsworth "Al" H. Perry, please visit our flower store.