Felix Perez 1925-2011

PEREZ OLIVA TORREZ

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/16/2012 at 13:59:05

Sioux City Journal
July 20, 2011

Felix Perez, 86, of Sioux City died Friday, July 15, 2011, at the Veterans Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Services will be 10 a.m. today at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.

Felix was born May 18, 1925, in Miller, Neb., the son of Margirito and Cayantana (Oliva) Perez. While he was growing up, he traveled with his family as migrant workers all through the Midwest. During World War II, Felix served in the U.S. Navy.

On Feb. 26, 1949, he married Lupe Torrez in Sioux City. She was 5 years old when they first met. After their marriage they settled in Sioux City, where they raised their family. Felix worked for the Firestone Tire Co., the Badgerow Bldg, Blankenship Painting and for many years at Heelan High School. Lupe died on July 27, 2002.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Family was the most important part of Felix's life, whether it was working two jobs so his wife could be home with the children or supervising the family gatherings and celebrations. Felix loved all kinds of music. It was a Sunday tradition for Felix to spend the day listening to his recordings.

He is survived by his children, Anita and Bruce Bailey of Sioux Falls, S.D., Joe and Ann Perez of Sergeant Bluff, Denise Perez of Sioux City, and Tom Perez and Jerri Wiles of Pender, Neb.; 10 grandchildren, Renee, Amy, Josh, Ian, Jill, Michael, Kiel, Eric, Alex and Maria; seven great-grandchildren, Briannika, Peyton, Mya, Kiara, Dominic, Madison, and Dayton; numerous stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren; and his sister, Gladys and Joe Guerra of Sioux City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, Edmond; and two brothers, Pete and Joe.