Neil Irvin Perseke

Neil Perseke, age 90, of rural Milan, passed away Wednesday evening, October 18, 2023, in Appleton Area Health-Hospital. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2023, at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan. Interment will be in the Kviteseid Lutheran Cemetery. Pastor Kristine Isder will officiate.

Neil Irvin Perseke was born February 13, 1933, at home in Akron Township, Big Stone County, Minnesota, the son of Irvin and Elsie (Thymian) Perseke. He was baptized in Correll in 1933. In 1947, he was confirmed at Kvitseid Lutheran Church in Milan. Neil attended grade school in Correll and then high school in Milan, where he graduated, Class of 1951. On April 26, 1958, Neil was united in marriage to Clarice Byre. The couple made their home on the same farm that Neil has lived on since 1944! Neil and Clarice were blessed with over 65 years together and six children: David, Connie, Lori, Bradley, Janelle, and Susan.

Farming and raising cattle were his thing…his cows were everything! He also loved to mow and bale hay. In early years, Neil would work off the farm in the winter months for Piechowski’s, seining fish for 21 years. He also worked every Monday at Web Livestock in Benson and was a janitor at Lac qui Parle Valley High School after home ball games. Neil and Clarice also delivered the Valley Shopper newspaper for 10 years.

Neil passed away Wednesday evening, October 18, 2023, in Appleton Area Health-Hospital. He attained 90 years, 8 months, and 5 days of age. Neil is survived by his wife, Clarice Perseke of rural Milan; his children: Connie (Randy) Fragodt of rural Milan, Lori (Jan) Rheingans of Appleton; Brad (Sarah) Perseke of MD, Janelle (Thomas) Boulton of Porter, and Susan Perseke of Appleton; his grandchildren: Melissa (Jeff) Nelson. Jacob (Erika) Fragodt, Nicole (Wes) Drake, Nathan (Megan) Fragodt, Kayla Rheingans (friend, Ian), Andrea (Cory) Wildung, Brooke (Alex) Stamp, Scott Ireland (friend, Danielle), Britta (Tyler) Vedder, Hank (Morgan) Ireland, Austin Ireland (friend, Nora), Wyatt Ireland, Kory (Jodi) Boulton, Kendall, Ashlynn, and Marrin Wolle; his great-grandchildren: Allie, Josie, Becca, and Brock Nelson, Chandler, Kynslie, Gentry, Daegyn and Brexley Drake, Charlotte Fragodt, Lincoln, Gabby, and Miles Wildung, Bennett, Lilia and Annyn Vedder, Lakyn and Hayes Ireland and Charlotte and Lance Boulton; his sister, Inez Golden; and his many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, David in 1978; his parents, Irvin and Elsie Perseke; and his sisters: Lois and Mavis.

Blessed be the memory of Neil Irvin Perseke.