Wilma Louise Perin

Wilma L. Perin, 94, of St. Joseph, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2009 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11am at Peace Lutheran Church, 3590 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph, on Sat., Jan. 2, 2010 with Rev. Franz Brandenburg and Rev. Ron Schmidt officiating. A fellowship and meal will immediately follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to send a memory or condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. She was born to Walter and Ida (Sandbrink) Smith in Aurora, IN, on Apr 23, 1915. Wilma grew up next to the Ohio River on her father’s farm in Aurora, IN. She was a hairdresser before marrying Wilbur A. Perin on Aug. 28, 1943. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and School, St. Joseph and a charter member of Peace Lutheran. She participated with Cordelia Hatfield in organizing the Trinity school library. Most of all she loved the Lord and her family. Wilma enjoyed retirement with her husband, Wilbur listening to him play clarinet in his various dixie groups along with her son, Jimmy, who was also a jazz musician. For the past 11 years she lived with her daughter, Pam and family who will miss her very much. Wilma is survived by her daughter, Pam (Richard) Lukey of St. Joseph; granddaughters, Rebecca (Daniel) Wodka of Chicago, and Shannon Lukey of St. Joseph. She is also survived by special friend, Pat Greenburg, who was like a daughter, of Stevensville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur and her son Jim, her parents and brothers Richard and Robert Smith.