Michael "Mike" Perry

Michael ‘Mike’ L. Perry, a.k.a. ‘Griz’, age 75, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022, at his home in Merrill, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  He was born on October 14, 1946, to Wilburn and Bernice Perry.  Mike graduated from Merrill High School in 1965 and looked forward to keeping in touch with his classmates.  He met Jan Kelly, and the two were married on December 26, 1985.  She survives.

In 1985, Mike joined the Labor Union Local 1359 out of Wausau.  He joined the Insulators Asbestos Workers Local 127 out of Green Bay and worked at various job sites throughout the Midwest.  Mike retired in 2008, then went to work in the service department for Stark Automotive until they closed.  He also worked occasionally for Waid Funeral Home as a driver.  Mike was an avid sports fan, and liked all the Wisconsin teams, along with the Merrill High School sports.  Mike loved to volunteer and often worked many tournaments and ball games that his children participated in.  He enjoyed volunteering at St. Francis Catholic Church delivering fish frys.  He also liked to volunteer at Wausau Manor, being Santa during the holidays, helping with activities, and caring for their garden.  Mike was a member of the evening Lions Club of Merrill.  You may have seen him frying shrimp and french fries at the fair stand.

In later years, Mike went to Arizona to follow the Brewer’s spring training, also attending many Brewers games in Milwaukee with friends Mike and Pat and staying at the Jon and Michelle Bed & Breakfast.  He was a shareholder with the Appleton Timber Rattlers.

Mike was a likeable and funny person that could be found watching his favorite western, Gunsmoke.  He also enjoyed canning pickles, salsa, and sauerkraut.  Mike was dependable and would always follow through with whatever he set out to do.

He will be missed deeply by many friends and family, near and far.  Mike had a huge heart and was always willing to help anyone who needed it.  His personality and smart wit will live on through everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jan Perry of Merrill, daughters: Shelly Perry of Monroe, WI, with son Jackson and Mollie (Jon) Stencil of Merrill, son: Christopher ‘Bubba’ (Briah) Perry of Hamburg with their kids: Jace and Sylvia, mother: Bernice Perry of Wausau, brother: Randy Perry of Wausau, sister: Toni Hoffman of Merrill, aunt: Mary Kelly of Tinley Park, IL, along with sister-in-law: Lynn Kelly (Don Genrich) of Hatley, WI, brother-in-laws: Bruce (Mary Ann) Kelly of West Bend, WI and Jim (Amy) Kelly of Green Bay and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father: Wilburn Perry, sister: Shari Guenther, father and mother-in-law: John and Dolores Kelly, sister-in-law: Linda Perry, brother-in-law: Alan Kelly and niece Missy Guenther.

The memorial liturgy for Mike will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 4pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  Deacon Jim Arndt will officiate.  Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 12pm until the time of the liturgy, also at the funeral home.  A private inurnment will take place at Merrill Memorial Park at a later date.

Mike’s family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to the Aspirus Cancer Center in Wausau, along with Dr. Peterson and Dr. Platta, for their support and care shown to Mike and his family.

In memory of Mike, please wear Wisconsin sports team apparel; we all know Mike would love that!

The family would also appreciate if you wore a mask while attending the event.

The liturgy will be live streamed and available for viewing on January 23, 2022, at 4pm and will be under his obituary on the funeral home website.  It will then be posted for future viewing.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.