Perry E. Wigle, 81

Perry E. Wigle, 81, passed peacefully away Sept. 29, 2016, due to natural causes.

Perry was born to Zuriel “Fuzzy” Wigle and Ella Lee Wigle in Lakeside on Dec. 8, 1934. Perry was raised and attended school in Lakeside along with his six sisters and, after short stints in the logging industry and with Northern Pacific railroad, joined the United States Air Force in 1952.

During his time in the service he traveled worldwide. His travels soon brought him to England where he met and married Peggy Kett on Aug. 15, 1956. Perry and Peggy enjoyed a marriage of 57 years moving to many locations and countries during his U.S. Air Force career.

During his time in the Air Force, Perry earned honors for service in Vietnam and a medal of commendation for serving throughout the Cold War. After 20 years of service, Perry retired from the Air Force, and Perry and Peggy returned home to the Flathead Valley. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service until finishing his career in 1997.

Perry loved all things mechanical, and was an endless tinkerer and shade tree inventor. His unassuming personality and his “try and try again” attitude endeared him to all. He could most often be found out in the garage working on some project or another, often accompanied by grandchildren. He often helped others with home and auto repairs, and he loved to go fishing and camping. In later years, he and Peggy visited many places in their RV, traveling throughout the U.S. to visit extended family. He and Peggy especially loved weekends at the lake with some of their many friends and family. They could also often be found at local establishments enjoying lunch and coffee with some of their many friends.

Perry is lovingly remembered by children Cheryl Barclay and husband Rocky Rapson of Norman, Oklahoma, Petra Meek and husband Mark of Helena, Paul Wigle and wife Susan of Kalispell, and Jason Wigle and wife Katherine of Shakopee, Minnesota; grandchildren, CJ Littleton and husband David, Samantha Siders and husband Jason, Daniel Wigle, Jessika Wigle; five great-grandchildren; and extended family in the U.S. and England.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Perry’s life at 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, followed by a reception at the Evergreen Moose Lodge, 2158 U.S. 2 West in Kalispell. In accordance with Perry’s wish, ashes will be scattered in a private ceremony by immediate family. To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.