Obituary of Francis G Perry

Francis G. Perry, 82 of Hammond, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Fran was born on August 4, 1939, in Farmington, MN to Orville and Myrtle (Pettit) Perry. Fran married the love of his life, Joyce Palan, on October 3, 1958. Early in their marriage, Fran worked at Purina and multiple side jobs to save money to buy a farm. After renting their first farm in Northfield for a few years, they finally met that goal. In 1971, they purchased a 420 acre dairy farm near Glenwood City, Wisconsin, where they lived, worked, and watched their kids grow into adults. Fran had a trucking business in the late 70s and traveled all over the U.S. delivering hay to MN and WI farmers during the drought years. 

In 1990, they built a home in Hammond, Wisconsin, and settled into small town living – close to kids, grandkids, the golf course, and lakes for fishing. Fran worked at Wintergreen for several years, and at Badlands Golf course for 12 years after that.

His hobbies included fishing, golfing, hunting, snowmobiling, and traveling. Most of all, he loved spending time with his growing family. He was skilled in fixing anything electrical or mechanical, and could simply listen to a motor and know what was wrong with it. He collected all kinds of tools and enjoyed designing and building almost anything.

Fran was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Myrtle (Pettit) Perry; siblings, Donald Perry, Ione Perry, Buzz Perry, Sal Ziemer, Evelyn Fesser, and Jeff Perry; and by many brothers and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Palan) Perry; his children, Gordon (Heidi) Perry, Gregory Perry, Kim (David) Ball, and Gene (Denise) Perry; his brother Bernie (Linda) Perry; thirteen grandchildren: Shannon Perry, Benjamin Perry, Holly (Tony) Bloom, Casey Perry, Tia (Andrew) Gardner, Tyler Perry, Christine Perry, Tim Perry, Jacob (Marin) Ball, Dayna Ball, Melinda Perry, Stephanie (Matthew) Thompson, and Summer Perry; great grandchildren: Mason, Knox, Brynlee, Owen, AJ, Rudi, Dylan, Adeline, Winter, Boone, Devon, Beka, Noelle, and Selah; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Red Cedar Canyon and Adoray Home Health for their kind and compassionate care of our dad. 

Visitation and Memorial service:

A combined memorial service will be held for Francis and Joyce Perry at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 502 Co Rd UU in Hudson, WI on April 30, 2022.  Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m.