Michael "Mike" Perez, 76, passed away Thursday, March 8 at Garden City Rehabilitation Center in Modesto with family by his side.
Born on May 25, 1935, he was known to his friends and family as "Dad," "Grandpa," "Papa Mike," "Honey" and "Cowboy Mike," he lost his battle with leukemia.
An appliance technician for over 50 years, he was a true leader in his field and would regularly get calls at home for advice, long after retirement. Most of all, he loved his family. He would often tell people he "had it all" - a great career, a nice ranch, and a loving family.
Survivors include his loving wife, Shirley Perez of Stockton; they shared 42 years together and were married for 38 years. Together, they had a daughter, Irene Laugero of Escalon, who survives, as does granddaughter, Taylor Laugero of Escalon. He was a proud dad, and just as proud a grandpa. He also helped Shirley raise her five children from her previous marriage: Sheryl Bjorkland of Fort Bragg, Karen Dugan of Pinedale, Wy., Jene Marie Jones of Stockton, Leslie Behrns-Barajas of Laramie, Wy., and Bill Behrns II of Wellington, Co.
He is also survived by his sister, Irene Banta-Powers of Manteca and brother Al Perez of Stockton. He had 10 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held at Deegan's Funeral Chapel in Escalon on Saturday, March 31.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
April 4, 2012
Born on May 25, 1935, he was known to his friends and family as "Dad," "Grandpa," "Papa Mike," "Honey" and "Cowboy Mike," he lost his battle with leukemia.
An appliance technician for over 50 years, he was a true leader in his field and would regularly get calls at home for advice, long after retirement. Most of all, he loved his family. He would often tell people he "had it all" - a great career, a nice ranch, and a loving family.
Survivors include his loving wife, Shirley Perez of Stockton; they shared 42 years together and were married for 38 years. Together, they had a daughter, Irene Laugero of Escalon, who survives, as does granddaughter, Taylor Laugero of Escalon. He was a proud dad, and just as proud a grandpa. He also helped Shirley raise her five children from her previous marriage: Sheryl Bjorkland of Fort Bragg, Karen Dugan of Pinedale, Wy., Jene Marie Jones of Stockton, Leslie Behrns-Barajas of Laramie, Wy., and Bill Behrns II of Wellington, Co.
He is also survived by his sister, Irene Banta-Powers of Manteca and brother Al Perez of Stockton. He had 10 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held at Deegan's Funeral Chapel in Escalon on Saturday, March 31.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
April 4, 2012
