Joseph Perelli

Perelli, Joseph J.MONONA - Joseph J. "Joe" Perelli, age 61, passed away on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, at his residence in Monona. He was born in Bessemer, Mich., to James and Evelyn Perelli on June 26, 1948. Joe attended local Hurley Area Schools, graduating from J.E. Murphy Middle School in 1966. He attended UW-Superior and graduated with a bachelor's of science degree in secondary education in 1970. Joe joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1970 and served 34 years until 2005. He attained the grade of sergeant major in 1988. Joe graduated from the U.S. Army Engineer Noncommissioned Officer Basic Course and Senior Engineer Officer Course. He also graduated from the U.S. Army Sergeant's Major Academy in 1989. Joe retired from the Wisconsin Army National guard with 34 years of service in 2005. He began full-time employment with the federal government in 1972 and retired with 33 years of service as an employee relations specialist in 2005. Joe was a life member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States and a member of the American Legion Post 534 in McFarland. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and traveling. Joe thoroughly enjoyed, planned and looked forward to his annual trip to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. He loved life, and his shorts, which he wore all year long, rain, snow, cold, etc. Joe had a passion for a good power nap. He was an avid Packers and Badgers fan, Go Pack Go, Go Bucky! Joe is survived by his mother, Evelyn; sons, Anthony "Tony" of Anchorage, Alaska and Mark "Pudge" of Arlington;brother, Dean of Marquette, Mich.; uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews; and little buddy, Louie. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim in 1984. No suits! No dress up! A casual and colorful affair (shorts would be preferred), NO BLACK! Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, March 1, 2010, with a pass in review just prior to the service, held by the McFarland American Legion Post 534. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park with military rites being conducted. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Cemetery: Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park with military rites being conducted. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, March 1, 2010, with a pass in review just prior to the service, held by the McFarland American Legion Post 534.