DEERFIELD - Bill Perez, age 64, of Deerfield, passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. He is now home with his Savior in heaven.

Bill was born on May 12, 1957, in Watertown, WI, the son of Pedro “Steve” Perez and Carol (Saniter) Perez.

Bill graduated from Watertown High School in 1975. He then attended Madison Area Technical College where he received his associate degree in automotive engineering. Shortly after graduation, Bill began a career working for UPS as a semi-driver. He worked for UPS for 30 years before retiring in 2007. His passion was in woodworking making beautiful custom, heirloom furniture for both family and friends. He made the most of his retirement by investing in his own entrepreneurial business, Heirloom Furniture Design. After closing the business in 2009, Bill began working to restore his home and pursuing his other passion for classic cars. In 2011, Bill started working for Home Depot. His extensive knowledge, personability, and experience made him the “go to man.” He helped customers solve any project concern big or small.

On June 22, 1996, Bill married the love of his life, Christine “Chris” Collins, at Lake Farm Park in Madison. In 1998, Bill and Chris welcomed their daughter, Lydia, into the world. Lydia always found joy in being told she’s “so much like her dad.”

Bill was an avid car enthusiast and loved driving, restoring, and dreaming about classic cars. On Dec. 27, 2001, Chris gifted Bill with a non-running 1949 Studebaker Truck. After he rebuilt the engine, he used this truck to haul his heirloom furniture for delivery, drive to work, or take it out to run errands. He was currently working on fully restoring the Studebaker, which he called “The Stude,” from the inside-out. He was also the proud owner of a custom painted sky-blue Pontiac Trans AM called “Mona.” He loved going on long road trips in his classic Trans AM, and enjoying the day being on the open road.

Bill was a man of character who was always learning and was never afraid of taking on challenges. He would show his love through acts-of-service and would do anything for anyone, no matter his connection to them. He was a steadfast and genuine husband, father, and friend. He loved all of his furry companions that he had over the years. The inseparable love was always reciprocated dearly by his pets: Buck, Hannah, Morgan, Nessa, Finnegan “Mr. Finn,” Emily “Mr. Em,” and Bo.

Bill is survived by his wife, Chris Perez; daughter, Lydia Perez; two sisters, Marge (John) Shuppe and Chris Perez; sister-in-law, Judy (Jeff) Rust; two nephews, Ben Shuppe and Kyle (Valerie) Rust; two nieces, Monica Shuppe and LeeAnn (Dakota) Chambers; and mother-in-law, Irmgard Collins. Bill is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve Perez and Carol Saniter; and brother, John Perez.

Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at CITY CHURCH, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 1:30 p.m., with Pastor Derrick Wright presiding. Refreshments will be provided in the Family Room at City Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Abundant Life Christian School - Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

William "Bill" John Perez

May 12, 1957 - January 08, 2022

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