- Date Of Birth: March 26, 1918
- Date Of Death: October 4, 2015
- State: Minnesota
Anthony F. “Tony” Perpich, age 97, of Virginia, died Sunday, October 4, 2015 at Essentia Health Convalescent Care Center in Virginia, surrounded by his family. He was born March 26, 1918 in Aurora, MN to Croatian immigrants, Anton and Mary (Blazevic) Perpich. He attended Aurora schools, after which he worked in the CCC Camps, the Lake and Hull Rust Mines, and for a defense plant in Detroit. In September of 1942 he entered the US Army serving in England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany as a radio operator. He achieved the rank of Tech. Sergeant, and received the Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge, The Bronze Star, and three overseas bars. He was proud to have had the opportunity to participate in the Veteran’s Honor Flight with his son Tony.
Tony married Elda Lanari on June 5, 1948. He worked as a carpenter for several area contractors who built the plants at the Erie and Reserve Mining Companies, and was a drill operator for US Steel Minntac. In 1955 Tony started Perpich TV & Music, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1987. Tony was well known throughout the area as an accomplished accordionist, playing for many years with his band “The Perpatones”. He especially enjoyed playing for weddings, private parties, and at Ironworld, and at area assisted living and nursing homes, and senior citizen clubs in later years. In 2003 he received an award from the All-Range Players in honor and appreciation of his Polka music.
Tony was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Virginia, the Virginia Elks Lodge #1003, the Kolstad Chapter #23 of the Disabled American Veterans, the Pratt-Volden-Mickelson-Anderson American Legion Post #239, the Knights of Columbus Council #1640, the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, and the American Musicians Union.
Tony was a devoted and good family man. He had a gentle, friendly spirit, a great smile, and a good sense of humor. He was a good businessman who loved dealing with the public.
