Martha B. Perry

Martha Bernice Perry, 95, formerly of the Utica area, died Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at Madonna Towers in Rochester. Martha was born in Lewiston, Minnesota on September 19, 1918 to Bernhardt and Amanda (Richter) Block. She was the oldest of nine children. She attended St. John's Lutheran Parochial school, and later Lewiston High School. On June 30, 1938 she married Chalmer Perry at the Utica Presbyterian Church where she has remained a member for 76 years. Martha and Chalmer farmed south of Utica for 14 years before moving into Utica in 1952 and building Perry's Food Market. They operated the store for 39 years until Chalmer's death in 1991.Besides partnering with her husband and raising two children, Martha had a passion for art and excelled in all of her endeavors which included painting, drawing, calligraphy, sewing, and cake decorating. In her teen years she avidly participated in 4-H. Her Grand Champion ribbons and awards in sewing, bread baking, and canning at the county fairs resulted in fun trips to the Minnesota State Fair, where in 1938 her canning exhibit won Grand Champion at the State level and First Place at the National. After her children were grown Martha took up painting and was a member of the Whitewater Area Art Group. Through talent and perseverance she became well known for her many beautiful works in oil, watercolor, pastel, and pen & Ink. Of all the ribbons and awards she earned when exhibiting her work, she mostly cherished her "People's Choice" award from the local fair. In 1997 and 1999 Martha's winning designs were chosen for the St. Charles Gladiola Festival buttons.Above all Martha loved her family and friends, often hosting dinners and entertaining. From a young age and well into her senior years she would reach out and tend to the needs of others. Her children, grandbabies, younger siblings, and aging parents have all benefited from her loving care. She was also very dedicated to her church family with whom she worked and prayed. Neighbors and townspeople remember how she shared the abundance of her vegetable gardens and flower beds. And no one will ever forget her apple pies!Martha will be missed by many......including her wonderful caregivers at Madonna Towers. Even during those challenging days as she neared the end of her life she was so thankful for those around her, and she would manage a grateful smile. We rejoice with Martha who after a long and fruitful life has now entered her Eternal Home.Martha is survived by her son, Richard (Mavis) Perry of Stewartville, MN; daughter, Charlotte (Lee) Wiskow of Rochester; six grandchildren, Carrie (John) Johnson of Rochester; Dawn (Joel) Dubbels of Rochester; Cindy Bloom of Rochester; Michael (Nicole) Wiskow of Savage, MN; Angie (Derrick) Bridley of Zumbro Falls, MN; and Kimberly (Jeff) Zutz of Valders, WI; fifteen great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; seven siblings, Albert (Beverly) Block of Winona, MN; Elsie Heim of Rochester; Mildred (Charles) Richter of Rochester; Earnest (Ted) Block of Winona, MN; Margaret Schumann of Eyota, MN; Elmer (JoAnn) Block of Rochester, Robert (Arlene) Block of Eyota, MN; many nieces & nephews; and her 'other daughter' Carmen Huhnerkoch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chalmer; one granddaughter, Mary Wiskow-Webster; one sister, Minnie Wright; six brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and her parents.Services to Celebrate Martha's life will be 11:30 AM Monday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles with the Reverend Tim Gerarden of Utica Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Utica. Friends may call from 9:30 AM Monday until time of services at the funeral home. Please share a memory of Martha at her on-line guestbook and view her Tribute Video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/444562