Perle Harding Crary

Perle Harding Crary of Onalaska, WI passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at the age of 91. Perle was born August 12, 1922 to Theodore and Irene (Tryggestad) Crary. He graduated from Central High School in La Crosse and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was privileged and proud to have taken part in the Freedom Honor Flight when he flew to Washington D.C. and visited the World War II Memorial. On June 7, 1945 he married Ruth Grady, the love of his life. She preceded him in death in 2001.
Perle worked for the Milwaukee Road in La Crosse and Milwaukee, and for Schlitz Brewing Company in Milwaukee. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Perle had many interests, but his favorite pastime was fishing. In addition, he and Ruthie enjoyed their time as members of a bicycle club.
Perle is survived by his five children: Carolyn Sue (Dan) McCauley, Elaine (Bob) Murphy, Keith (Arthur Talaugon) Crary, Jean Lanahan and Karen Crary. Also by his grandchildren: Adam Kuchler, Jaime (Adrian) Chapin, Kristin (Jason) Jasper and Kevin (Caroline) McCauley and his great-grandchildren: Daniel, Lucas, Michael, Leah and Joshua Chapin and Alex, Nick and Ethan Jasper. He is further survived by his cousin Irvin (Dora) Johnson, his sister-in-law, Carol (Ed) Jones and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his aunt Helen Johnson and his brothers, Leslie and Arlo.
A special thank you goes to the staff at Sterling House in Onalaska who lovingly cared for him over the last three years.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday, August 11th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 420 West Avenue South, La Crosse with Pastor Tom Meyer officiating. Friends may call on Monday at the church from 2:00 P.M. until the time of services. Memorials can be made to Sugar Creek Bible Camp, 13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Road, Ferryville, WI 54628, sugarcreekbiblecamp.org; or to Gundersen Medical Foundation, 1900 South Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601, Gundersenhealth.org/foundation.