" A message from U.S. told us that a real Finn and our relative Marvin Perala has passed away. We remember him as a warm and friendly person. He brought a big group of American relatives to the reunion of Jaakko Ojala's family in Kauhajärvi, Finland. We met him later at our home in Kirkkonummi and at Ahola family reunion in U.S. We show condolences to his wife Kathaleen and the family. Seija and Mikko Salmela"
In loving memory of
Marvin Eino Perala
November 9, 1937 - August 21, 2017
Marvin passed away August 21, 2017 at the age of 79 after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathaleen, daughters Shari Strachan (Brad) and Lauri Cronkite (Paul), six grandchildren-David, John, Christopher, Scott, Matthew and Katharyn, two great-grandchildren, Dominic and Annabeth and two younger brothers Raymond (Candy) and Donald (Donna). Marvin was born in Superior, WI, November 9, 1937 and raised in a Finnish-American farming community graduating from Northwestern High School in Maple, WI. Subsequently, he graduated from the Wisconsin State Institute of Technology (now the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, with a Civil Engineering degree. He moved west in 1967, and lived in Woodinville, WA since 1977. He did post-graduate education at Pacific Lutheran University earning an MBA degree. He held the position of Civil and Structural Engineer in the Sverdrup corporation in Bellevue, WA specializing in transportation and bridge engineering. He volunteered to serve on finance committees of 1st Baptist Church and Heritage Christian School, Bothell and the Friend International mission organization. He also served on the Advisory Council for The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, Seattle. His interests included sports, skiing, traveling, and Finnish genealogy. He was a life-long fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers. He will be remembered for his gracious nature, integrity, excellence in his profession, and love for his family and friends. A celebration of his life will be held at Meadowbrook Church, Redmond on September 16th at 1:30 pm. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, WI on September 30th, 2017 at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation (on-line at www.nwpf.org or mail: 7525 SE 24th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040) or to Meadowbrook Church World Missions.
Tributes
"Marv was my introduction to Sverdrup, along with Tom Gaffney, in 1989 and was a special friend and brother in Christ for the 10 years I worked with him. What a joy it was! He was one of the hardest workers I have known but always ready to talk and help. I will miss him.May God comfort Kathy and his extended family as they grieve their loss but heaven's gain.....Ron & Robin Bockstruck "
"He took care of me and my career for many years...for which I will always be thankful. Many times we would sit in his office and have some good laughs! And, sometimes we would just vent our frustrations with company related issues. But through it all, we supported each other. He tended to never "sweat" the small stuff, and was my lifeline many times. Such a wonderful person, and I was fortunate to have him as part of my life for so many years. "
"Our condolences to Marvin's family. We will always remember him as a very warm person and through him we got to know our American relatives which we are very grateful for. Kirsi, Leo and Laura "
"The loss of a loved one is so heartbreaking. I hope you can find comfort in this bible scripture. John 11:25, Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life. "
"I have such fond remembrances of Marvin and his family. I met him as he served so diligently as treasurer of FBC and Heritage Christian School. As the children's minister, I was much acquainted with the grandchildren and enjoyed them so much as well as their parents. Marvin and Kathy you hold a very special spot in my heart. Your commitment to God, your family. and church was a great testimony to all. I am saddened by the loss but rejoice you are now healed and with Jesus! See you some day again. Your family has a lot to be proud of in the heritage you have left. Barbara Finch"