Francis John Perry

Francis was born in Channing, MI on September 21, 1944 son of the late Mary J. (VanDeusen) and Arthur “Jack” Perry. He attended the Champion School and later became a certified mechanic. “Franny” as he was known worked as a mechanic / head bus driver at Republic-Michigamme Schools for 33 years, retiring in 1998. He wintered in Port Isabel, Texas after retirement where he formed many lasting friendships. He especially loved fishing and spending time with his cousins and dear friends Butch Wiljanen, Bruce Perry and Kim Perry.

Franny never let a moment go to waste, and even in retirement was always thinking of the next project. He will be remembered for always lending a helping hand to people with various mechanical issues in the Michigamme community. It was not uncommon to “call Franny” if you needed to be towed out of a ditch or couldn’t get your car to start.

Even throughout his illness, Francis made it a point to say hello to everyone he encountered either in the halls of UP Health Systems or on the street. He would never pass up the opportunity to tell a joke. At the end of his life, Francis was very grateful for the help and support of his family and many friends both in Port Isabel and in Michigan.

Francis is survived by two daughters, Cheryl (Steven) Turausky, of Marquette; Lisa (Rusty) Bowers, of Marquette; son, John (fiancee Gina Stueber) Perry, of Green Bay, WI; 9 grandchildren – Philip Turausky, Faith Turausky, Victoria Turausky, Joseph Bowers, Jack Bowers, Jessica Bowers, Zack Perry, Jamie Perry and Collin Perry; great grandchild Samuel Perry along with several nieces, nephews and cousins and his former wife Dawn Perry of Michigamme. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Clarice Porter.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am till 12:00pm on Friday, October 25, 2019 at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Champion. A Memorial Service will follow at Noon on Friday at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with the Rev. Paul Peterson to officiate. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. Interment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme.

Memorials may be directed to Cancer Care of Marquette Co., 700 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Memory of Francis.

The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the UPHS Cancer Center and UP Home Health for their care along with the numerous friends and neighbors who assisted Franny during his illness.

Franny’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.