Bajii-waanzh

Steven J. Perion, age 74, of Lac Courte Oreille, WI passed onto a more peaceful place where he no longer has struggles and suffering, on Monday, September 7, 2020 while under the loving care of nurses at Hayward Health Services.

Steven Joseph Perion was born March 12, 1946 in Oak Park, IL, the son of Steven and Pearl (Smith) Perion. Steve's career life as a funeral director reads like a novel. He was licensed in five different states including Wisconsin, Santa Fe, NM, Anchorage, AK, Pine Ridge Reservation, SD and Minneapolis, MN. While in Minneapolis he was inspired to primarily serve the urban Native American community to ensure that they were buried with dignity and honor. This involved traveling to numerous reservations to bring people home to their final resting place. Although offering traditional burials, Steve personally was a practicing Catholic. Steve retired from life as a funeral director and moved to Northwoods Beach in 2006. He became a member of LCO AMVETS Post #1998 and was the bugler for their Honor Guard. Steve was on the Board of Directors at Ain Dah Ing and served as its treasurer. He was a lifelong avid Cubs fan and especially enjoyed the 2016 World Series win. Gone from this world, but not forgotten, is a man with an infectious laugh who succumbed to the ravages of dementia.

He is survived by Shirley Wallace, his loving partner of the past 20 years; brother Gerald Perion of Middleton, WI; sister-in-law Judy Perion; cousins who were like siblings David (Rinda) Smith Sr., Jerry LeBlanc, Mike Dukin, Larry Smith & others.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Steve & Pearl; brother Frank Perion; and cousin Patty Ann Smith.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2020 at St. Francis Solanus Indian Mission in Reserve. Father Gregory Hopefl officiated with music provided by Sister Felissa Zander. Military honors were accorded by LCO AMVETS Post #1998. Visitation was held from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. prior to Mass at the church. Inurnment was at St. Joseph Catholic Columbarium.

Honorary bearers were Richard Bartold, Charles Howe, Gary Quaderer Sr., David Smith Sr., Ken Taylor, Gordon Thayer, Ron Wallace & Nate Whiting.