Craig A. Perry

Craig Alan Perry, 59, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Rockford Memorial Hospital, the result of a massive heart attack suffered March 21 in his home. Born Friday, November 13, 1953, he was the second son of Ken and Myrna (Edler) Perry. Craig married Jody Lynn Hachmeister on August 3, 1991. During their life together they traveled the world and became best friends. They most recently spent the month of February vacationing in Ixtapa, Mexico where he and his friends caught a 7 ft. sail fish. Craig enjoyed life. A passionate man, Craig quietly touched many lives. Among his passions were the Freeport Elks Lodge, golfing, snow skiing, boating on the Mississippi River, gardening, baking, dancing and drinking beer. He was devoted to the care of his elderly father. Known for his quick wit and one liners, he could simultaneously entertain and irritate people. He was a fun and generous uncle. Friends from his youth called him '˜Rooster.'™ Craig realized a dream when in 1991 he built his own home. A 1972 graduate of Freeport High School, Craig retired in 2008 from Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 23. Craig worked with Hack'™s Auction & Realty Service, Inc., Pecatonica, as an Illinois Licensed Realtor and Hack'™s Plumbing Inspector. A long-time member, he was currently the Head Trustee at Freeport Elks Lodge #617. Over the years Craig held several offices on the Freeport Ski Club Board including President and Trips Chairman and skied the world with wonderful friends. '˜Coach Craig'™ lead Mort & Saints Ladies Softball team to the Freeport City Championship. Survived by his wife Jody, father Ken Perry, Liberty Village, brothers Phillip Perry, Springfield and Kurt (Cindy) Perry, Freeport. Nieces and nephews, Marcia (Patrick) Kirk, Chris (Megan) Perry, Joshua and Jacob Hachmeister, Zachary and Molly Dietmeier, and Erin (Brett) Churchill. Great niece & nephews Elle, Colin and Kyle Kirk. Several brothers & sisters-in-law. Preceded in death by his mother. The family respectfully requests no flowers. If you should, however, wish to make a donation, please do so to Craig'™s number one cause, the Freeport Elks Lodge #617. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport, with Pastor Daren Dietmeier, Craig'™s bother-in-law officiating. Visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 1, at the funeral home. Burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.