John Anthony Perell

Dr. John Anthony Perell, 73, of Hibbing, MN, and Queen Valley, AZ, died peacefully at the Whimsical Homecare Hospice in Chandler, AZ, on January 18, 2024.

He was born January 31, 1950 to Dr. Bruno A. Perell, and Sylvia P. Perell in Hibbing, Minnesota, where he grew up, graduating from Hibbing High School in 1968. He attended St. Thomas University, before attending the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry graduating with a DDS in 1974.

After graduation, John practiced dentistry at the Dental Health Service in Hibbing with his father and later his sister-in-law Pamela and his brother David until he retired in 1998.

During his 26 years of retirement, John fully engaged in his avocation of buying, restoring and (sometimes) selling vintage Chrysler cars. He attended swap meets and car shows all across the country relishing in finding that special car or hard to find part. But most importantly on these adventures he met like-minded car geeks, creating lifelong friendships.

In his youth John mastered swimming, water skiing and with his father, building and then driving a cherry red hydroplane at the family’s Little Sturgeon cabin. When the gang of kids swam across the lake he was the first to arrive on the opposite shore. Most evenings after dinner, you could find John behind the speed boat as he glided over the lake on his favorite slalom ski touching his shoulder to the water.

He enjoyed fishing at Little Sturgeon Lake while reading a book or on a trip to Canada with his father, uncle and brother. John also enjoyed hunting with his friends and family at Pelican Lake or Lost Lake.

He will be remembered for his broad smile and dimples; as a kind, loyal and generous friend; an uncle that gave the best car rides and special gifts... always enclosed in a brown paper bag; and as a brother who was there when you needed him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bruno and Sylvia Perell, and his infant sister. He is survived by his siblings Mary (Mike) Fay, Dr. David (Dr. Pamela) Perell and Patty Perell; nephews and nieces Patrick Fay, Katie (Dr. Jay) Hildenbrand, Marie (Nick) Kuhn, Anna (Mike) Fuchs, and Dr. Gabriella Perell; great-nephews and nieces Isaac and Isaiah Hildenbrand, Maura and Clare Fay, Connor Kuhn and Eleanor and Oliver Fuchs; and his dear friend and cousin Rich (Sherri) Seppi and their children Maria Antanasio and Tony Seppi.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Date and time will be announced.

Memorials are preferred to The Angel Fund of Northeastern MN or Project Care, Hibbing, MN.

Arrangements are by the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.