 Wilton
Perry, 86, formerly of Minot, died Friday, August 22, 2008,
at St. Alexius Medical Center. The memory of his life will
be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26, from 1:30-2:30 in the
chapel at St. Vincent's Care Center, Bismarck. A prayer vigil
will be held at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home in Minot, also
on Tuesday, at 7:00 p.m. The funeral services will be
at 10:30 a.m., at St. John the Apostle Church in Minot on Wednesday,
August 27, 2008.Wilton was born August 12th in Surrey ND, to Walter and Violet (Waind) Perry. Wilton grew up in the Surrey area, helping on the family farm during his youth and graduating from Minot High School in 1940. Wilton was proud to serve in the US Army Air Corps enlisting on April 13, 1942, in Minot, ND. He received the American Theatre Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, AAF Air Crew Member badge, Good Conduct Ribbon, Philippines Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with seven bronze stars. He was honorably discharged November 1, 1945 when he returned to Minot. He was united in marriage to Dolores Sillman on May 2nd, 1948, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot. Wilton established Perry's Grocery, a Texaco gas and grocery business on Minot's east side. He owned and operated this business for 35 years. He knew by name and heart, all of his regular customers. Perry's life exemplified a life lived courageously. He modeled perseverance with a positive attitude in the face of adversity. He was humble. He lived simply, not needing or wanting much for himself. He was both kind and generous. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and in his younger years, playing baseball. He had a strong faith and love for God. He loved and admired his family, as well as the community of people in which he lived. His most recent community of friends within the last five years, were the residents and staff of St. Vincent's. He has always held in high regard the Benedictine sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery. As difficult as it was for him to say good-bye to those he loved, he kept his eyes on the finish line, looking forward to a reunion in heaven. Wilton's family includes: his children, Nancy (Steve) Brannan of Bismarck, Judy Goetz of Bismarck, and Kenneth (Monica) Perry of Minot, his son-in-law Ken Heisz, grandchildren, Josh Heisz, Candace (Tom) Gerhardt, Scott (Renita) Brannan, Brent Brannan, Patrick (Krista) Brannan, Bridget Brannan, Shawn Brannan, Jade Goetz, Bach Goetz, Rebecca Perry, Melissa Perry, and Abigail Perry, nine great grandchildren, Micaela, Gabe and Riley Gerhardt, Beau, Tru and Rocco Brannan, Karlee and Kaci Brannan, and Hazel Goetz; sister Erva Klein of Bakersfield, CA; nieces Norma Carter (Duane) and Ruthie (Leo) Chancellor and their children. Wilton was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Violet, his wife, Dolores, his daughter Kathee, his sister, Bernice Perry, mother-in-law Rose Foss, and brother-in-law George Klein. Service Participants Music Honorary Bearers: Wilton's family and friends Active Bearers: Scott Brannan, Brent Brannan, Patrick Brannan, Jade Goetz, Shawn Brannan Bach Goetz, Tom Gerhardt, Josh Heisz Military honors accorded by the Minot Air Force Base Honor
Guard. To sign the online guest register
for Wilton |