Wilton Perry

Wilton Perry

Wilton Perry, 86, formerly of Minot, died Aug. 22, 2008, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday,Aug. 27, at St. John the Apostle Church, Minot.

The memory of his life will be celebrated from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. today, Aug. 26, at St. Vincent's Care Center chapel, Bismarck, with a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Wilton was born Aug. 12, 1922, in Surrey, 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 U.S. Army Air Corps, enlisting April 13, 1942, in Minot. 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 Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with seven bronze stars. He was honorably discharged Nov. 1, 1945, when he returned to Minot.

He was united in marriage to Dolores Sillman May 2, 1948, at St. Leo's Catholic Church, 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, Bismarck, Judy Goetz, Bismarck, and Kenneth (Monica) Perry, Minot; his son-in-law, Ken Heisz; his 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; his sister, Erva Klein, Bakersfield, Calif.; and his 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; his mother-in-law, Rose Foss; and his brother-in-law, George Klein.