Howard Charles Perron's Obituary
Big Rapids - Howard Charles Perron, 86, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, November 15, 2018, at Altercare of Big Rapids.
He was born December 17, 1931 in Marenisco, MI, the son of Joseph and Ozana (Chenail) Perron, and grew up in Escanaba. In 1949, Howard graduated from Escanaba High School, where he was on the football team and competed in speed skating. He attended the Sault branch of Michigan Tech University, where he also played football, being named the most valuable player in 1950.
From 1951 to 1954, Howard served in the U.S. Army with the 10th Mountain Division, and was assigned to Japan to help train troops in mountain techniques. After his discharge he returned to Escanaba, and on August 24, 1954, he married Blanche Peterson.
Howard earned his B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from Western Michigan University. He began his career teaching business classes at Muskegon Reeths-Puffer High School, became Superintendent at Wolf Lake Schools, and later worked for East Grand Rapids and the Battle Creek Schools. In 1971, Howard was named the Superintendent for Big Rapids Public Schools, a position he held until retiring in 1986.
Howard was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and was active in many civic and educational organizations. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, bowler, golfer, and skier, and after retiring he enjoyed travelling.
Howard is survived by his wife Blanche; their children, Colette Lott of Aurora, CO, Gayle Perron-Krawetz (Eric) of LaFayette, Co, Howard II (Roxanne) of Port Huron, Stuart (Joanne) of Morley, and Everett (Lenka) of St. Clair Shores; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandson; brother Robert of Escanaba; brother-in-law Carlton (Kay) Perterson of Richardson, TX; and many nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his brother Joseph and grandson Dan Freiberg.
Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Father Michael Burt officiating. Howard's family will greet friends on Tuesday beginning at 2:00 p.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in Pine Plains Cemetery, with military honors under the auspices by the Big Rapids American Legion Post #98. Memorial contributions in Howard's name may be made for the Alzheimer's Association, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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