Irving E. Perkins
MERRIMAN — Irving E. Perkins, 89, of Merriman, passed away on Tuesday evening, Nov. 29, 2016, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.
He was born in December of 1926 in Iron Mountain, son of the late Alfred and Hazel (Anderson) Perkins.
He married Dorothy Peterson in September of 1944 in Iron Mountain. They spent more than 72 wonderful years together.
Irving was drafted in 1945 by the United States Army during World War II, and was sent to Camp Fannin Army Base in Paris, Texas, for his basic training. He was then shipped out to the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operation. Irving was a corporal stationed in Hawaii when he received his honorable discharge in July 1946.
He returned home and was hired by Lakeshore Manufacturing. Irving worked there for more than 44 years, retiring in 1988 as an inspector.
He was a member of the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50, a life member of the VFW Post 3674, and worshipped with his wife at First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain.
Irving is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; his children, Marcia (John) Maki of Iron Mountain, Michael (Brigitte) Perkins of St. Joseph, Mich., Linda (Larry) Small of West Dundee, Ill., and Keith (Cindy) Perkins of Janesville, Wis.; 11 grandchildren; many great- and great-great grandchildren.
Irving was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen Perkins on Aug. 8, 2000; a brother, Garfield Perkins; and a sister, Jeanette Perkins.
Private family services and full military honors will take place in the spring.
In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.
Condolences to the family of Irving E. Perkins may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.