Leo (Dick) Richard Perlinger, age 76 of Swanville, died Tuesday, August 21 2018 at the Long Prairie Hospital from COPD complications.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Albany MN on Friday, August 31, 2018.
Dick was born on July 27th, 1942 to Leo George and Helen (Nelson) Perlinger in Little Sauk, Minnesota. He graduated from Grey Eagle High School and served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966 in the 17th Air Force Division. Dick earned the Outstanding Achievement award for exemplary execution of duties in 1964 at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. He married Arlene Gerads on May 25th, 1968 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala and they just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Dick worked for Allen’s Masonry and Walmart; he was a gifted carpenter and could fix almost anything. Dick and Arlene bought a hobby farm in 1976. He loved fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors. He had a caring heart, especially when it came to his beloved dogs and animals of all kinds. Dick was an honest, hardworking man, with a quick wit. Dick and Arlene enjoyed outdoor adventures including vacations in Alaska, Glacier, Colorado, Yellow Stone, Canada, and the Grand Canyon along with camping, river canoeing, white water rafting and more. In retirement, he enjoyed wood carving and deer hunting….he was always happy doin’ whatever needed doin’ on the farm.
Dick is survived by his wife Arlene, sisters; Jan (Jerry) Schneider of St. Paul, Eileen Akre of Des Moines, Iowa; Uncle Robert Perlinger of Minneapolis and many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs—Bear & Rosie, and cats.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents Leo (1968) and Helen (1998); brother Herman (1967) and sister Helen (1998).
Interment was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, MN.