Kenneth Perry, Jr.
July 12, 1942 ~ January 26, 2019
Kenneth Leroy Perry, Jr., 76, of Cedar Rapids, died on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Ken is survived by his children, Shelle (Dennis) Youngblut of Mount Vernon, Yvette Perry of Monticello, MaDonna Perry of Cedar Rapids, Carrie (Mike) Suggett of San Diego, California, Sonja Perry of Mount Vernon, Chandis Perry of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Jared Youngblut, Heather Youngblut, Colton Krob, Austin Krob, Karlie Krob, Jake Suggett, Nicole Suggett, Taylor Suggett, Tyler Kirkpatrick, Josephina Perry, Corey Perry, Noble Kohl; great grandchildren, Brendan Youngblut, Blake Youngblut, and Brysen Youngblut.
He is also survived by his sister, Celestine 'Sally' Johnson of Ft. Worth, Texas; brother, Byron Perry of Cedar Rapids; niece, Brenda (Mark) Calbow; nephews, Calvin (Chris) Johnson and Patrick Perry; and former wife, Shirley Snell
Ken was born July 12, 1942, the son of Pearl and Kenneth Perry, Sr. He graduated from Regis High School in 1961, then honorably served his country in the US Army from 1961-64. Ken married Shirley Williams in 1965. Ken was a true civil servant and politically active most of his life. Elected locally in 1972 to serve as the Linn County Clerk of District Court where he was distinguished to have served as the last elected and first appointed Linn County Clerk of Court. He was proud to have followed his father's footsteps as the Clerk of Court.
Ken was later elected and served on the Linn County Board of Supervisors from 1989-92. After his public service he went on to sell real estate, was a driver for several retirement communities and worked part-time at the Oakland Road Hy-Vee. As a member of the Linn County Democratic Central Committee, Ken was passionate about politics. He enjoyed the excitement of campaigning and talking about the issues with everyone.
It was important for him to keep social contacts and stay busy. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, VFW Post 788, Marion American Legion Post 298, and a lifetime member of the International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers.
Ken will be remembered as a great dancer to the music of the 50's and 60's. He was still hitting area dance floors several times a week. Ken also enjoyed everything John Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his parents; nephews, Michael Dean Johnson and Eric Martin Perry; and brother-in-law, Jerry Johnson.
Memorials may be directed to the Linn County Democratic Central Committee or Hospice House of Mercy.
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RIP Ken ! My condolences to his family. Ken was a great neighbor and always a good man.
I’m so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing! I enjoyed dancing with him. Prayers to his family!!!
Ken was such a great guy. He was caring and always had a smile and a greeting. He was fun to dance with. He will be missed.
RIP Ken. I enjoyed knowing you so much, you were always ready to dance, and you so enjoyed making people happy. I especially remember how proud you were when you received the quilt of honor thanking you for your service in the military. God Bless You and your family!
Ken was are very best friend when My husband Lyle and I were dating, ( 61) year ago. He stood up with us, at the blessing of our marriage, God father to our first born son, and our fourth child carries Ken’s name. We all tried staying in touch over the years. He will truly be missed by the two of us.. Good memories and peace be with his family. Good memories for us.. Dee Matheny
My prayers and care join Ken’s friends and family during this time. We, as Regis ’61 classmates, so enjoyed Ken’s presence at our quarterly gatherings, his volunteer updates at care facilities and/or HyVee., and his genuine interest and compassion for each of our classmates and their families. Be assured that he is being remembered in prayer by the Sisters of Mercy. Sister Maurita Soukup, RSM
Ken was a .great .friend to me when several years ago I had Cancer and was in the Hospital -He really loved to go to all the .dances and made sure he danced with many who did not have anyone to dance with-He was a Veteran also and friends with everyone- He was a real Church goer also-I will miss seeing him and his wave acrossed the room or short visit when we were at the same dance-Goodbye Good Friend -Ron Mescall Sr
We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a such a nice man. Our prayers are with everyone.
My condolences to the family. He was a great Democrat, a piece of Cedar Rapids, a kind family man and a good example of how to enjoy life, right up to the end. RIP
I knew Ken from the VFW and he would usually come to dance on Thursday nights. I was helping with the Honor Flight he and his brother went on and saw him receive his quilt of honor. I will miss his smile.
Was shocked to hear of Ken’s passing. We have been neighbors for 42 years. Always a smile on his face and a wave as he drove by. You could count on him to keep an eye on things in the neighborhood or take the time to give you a hand. Our condolences to his family. Bill and Christine Sackett.
So sad and shocked to hear of Ken’s passing. I have known Ken for years. I seen Ken at every Thursday night dances at VFW Post 788 Wild Bill and Pony Express and many VFW Post 788 events. He enjoyed dancing and could move around the dance floor with the very best. He will be truly missed as a VFW member and at the Thursday night dances. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace Ken! Gary Dusil Commander VFW Post 788
I had the pleasure of working with Ken when he was a county supervisor. I was the director of the Mental Health and Disabilities program. Ken was always supportive and understanding of our issues. In addition, he invited me to play golf several times, and we had great fun. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Very saddened to get this news. I had the privilege of working in the same real estate office with Ken for many years. If he ever had a bad day, we never knew it. Never heard him say a bad thing about anything or anybody. I will truly miss seeing him.
Dave Schulte
He will be missed by many of us. He was a delight to dance with at the VFW in Cedar Rapids and Wild Hogs in Walford. He was thoughtful to give a number of ladies the opportunity to dance, but more than that he was a nice gentleman.
As members of the Class of 1961 Regis High School Reunion’ members,, we were saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. He will certainly be missed at our ‘Reunion Lunches at the Starlite’. He never missed one. Our condolences go out to his family.
-Lori Drahozal Neblung-Barb Clarkson Henderson – Pat Murphy
I knew Ken from the VFW. We mostly talked business but he always had a smile. I ran into Ken at various events that would honor US veterans. Very proud man and a gentleman to all. You will be missed Ken. RIP Brother
Ken was a kind man and a great dance partner, I will miss him miss him a lot. Sympathy and prayers to his family.
As a sales representative I had business dealings with Ken when he was Linn County Clerk of Court. I felt I was dealing with a fair, friendly honorable man. ~ Stephen Kemble
“Mr. Perry” interviewed me for the Clerk’s Office thirty one years ago, I believe there were 300+ applications. He allowed me the great privilege to work for the State and able to say I worked for this kind thoughtful man. His face says it all, usually a smile. He will be greatly missed 🙁
I met Kenny at Armor Ballroom, whenI was 14 years old.He asked me to dance.he was very polite. I loved dancing with him.He asked my mom if I could go with him to the Policeman Ball Dance.He was so charming, Mom said yes. We won alot of dancing contest’s.He was a good guy, always polite to me.Bob and I stood up for him and Shirley’s wedding. God bless you Dear friend and your family 🙏
Oh I am so saddened to hear the news of Ken’s passing. As a member of Polyester Blend i can tell you how wonderful it was to have Ken’s smiling face and twinkling toes at our dances. I will miss him madly. Goodbye my friend!
We will miss Kenny…his contagious smile, his sense of humor, his dancing moves and how he loved his family. My girls grew up with Uncle Kenny. He never missed a visit when we were back in Iowa. He will be missed but we see Kenny in each of his children and grandchildren. We are blessed for having loved him and known him.
My deepest sympathy for the family Ken loved. He was such a gentleman and one of my dance partners. He will be greatly missed by all.
Madonna, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Remember the good times as he will always be with you. Barb Soukup Rockwell
barb Soukup from Rockwell
Ken was a gentleman and good friend. He was so kind to ask each of us single women to dance 🙂 The world just won’t be the same without him.
I enjoyed working with Carrie. Ken was proud that she is a coach (former player) for the San Diego Surge professional women’s football team!
Sue (Emma) Jorgensen
I am so sorry to see this – He was a lot of fun – especially to dance with – he was always so nice to everyone and cheerful – he will be sorely missed – especially at our luncheons of years past. condolences to the family. Susan Oujiri Monk