Flora Bailey (1871-1952)- Flora was born in Agency, Iowa and died in Perry. She attended Cornell College and served as the First librarian at the Carnegie Library beginning in February 1904 and continuing for 41 years. The last two years she was carried up the stairs each morning and down the stairs each night so that she could remain at her work.
Cornelia Bulkley (1904-1998)-Cornelia was born in Perry and died in Boone. She belonged to an early merchant family that operated Bulkley Brothers. She graduated from Perry High School in 1921 abd taught in Iowa schools for more than 44 years in Jolley, Keota, and Central Dallas
Celeste Council (1882-1969)-Celeste was born to one of Perry's pioneer families and married Vernon Council in 1923. She operated the popcorn stand on the corner of 2nd and Willis for 49 years, where she sold popcorn for 5 cents a bag and was friendly to all. The original stand is now housed at the Forest Park Museum.
Earl Green ( 1913-1991)-Earl was born in Perry and died in Corona Del Mar, California. He worked for the Milwaukee Road for 33 years. Earl was the treasurer of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen Milwaukee Road for 10 years, and a deacon and trustee for the First Baptist Church.
William McLuen (1832-1930)-One of Perry's pioneer families, William McLuen owned a harness shop and served as Perry's second Mayor. He signed the town's articles of incorporation and served as president of the school board.
Virginia Ebba Olson Green (1920-2012)-Virginia was born in Des Moines and died in Santa Anta, California. An honor roll student in high school, in 1938 Virginia went to Iowa State University, where she studied home economics. After two years, she returned home to work in the Woolworth's Dime Store and then at the First National Bank, where she became the head bookkeeper. A member of the First Baptist Church in Perry from 1941-1991, Virginia served as a Sunday School teacher, the church treasurer, and president of many church organizations in the church. She was president of the Alpha Circle of King's Daughters and a member of te Book, Perry Women's and Dilettantes clubs. In 1989, She and her husband moved to Orange County California to be close to their daughter, her son-in-law Howards Ahmanson, and her grandson David Fieldstad Green Ahmanson. The couple joined Liberty Baptist Church in Newport Beach. Earl died in 1991. But Virginia carried on, writing Letters, connecting People, traveling with her family, and sharing her love of life with everyone she met.
V.T. "Snick" Hamlin (1900-1993)-The son of a Perry dentist, Snick was born in Perry and died in Sarasota, Florida. He attended school in Perry until WWI, then joined the Army. He returned to Perry in 1919 and illustrated the yearbook, Eclipse. He created "Ally Oop" in 1929, featuring a caveman living amid dinosaurs. The syndicated column ended in 2018, after a run that was one of the longest of any of the country's cartoons. He married Dorothy Stapleton of Perry, Who is credited with the idea of the time machine in the cartoon strip "Alley Oop."
Agnes Heightshoe (1874-1948)-The daughter of a Perry contractor and builder, Agnes was born in Boone and died in Stuart. She was a graduate of Perry, High School in 1890 then took her normal training at the Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She returned to Perry and taught third grade and sixth grade in the old Washington School During the late 1890"s. She graduated from the University of Iowa and received her master's degree from Chicago University. She served as principal for 21 years and was superintendent of the Perry Schools for 12 years. She served as assistant to the State Superintendent of Schools in Iowa, tutored in special subjects, and administered adult citizenship classes. Circa 1940, she became principal of the Stuart Schools, Where she was serving at the time of her death. She was a charter member of Chapter DE of P.E.O. and a member of Perry Chapter #142, Order of the Eastern Star, ad a member of the Perry Presbyterian Church
Betty Mae Harris (1895-1971)- Betty mae was born in Harlan Iowa and died in Boone. Her father was a Baptist minister. She studied under some of the world's most famous dance teacher and appeared in films and danced in the Ziegfield Follies. She operated a dance studio in Perry and Boone for 40 years. Betty mae traveled the world as a skilled dancer and teacher of dancing in such places as Paris and Rome, Turkey and Greece.
Eugene Hastie (1890-1983)- The son of one of Perry's pioneer families, Eugene founded the Dallas county Historical Society and wrote the History of Dallas County, Published in 1938; History of Perry, published in 1962; and High Points of Iowa History, published in 1967. An avid colletor, Eugene also opened Forest Park in 1953 and donated it to the county in 1966. He also loved trees and planted more that 100 species at Forest Park. He was a lifelong member of teh Assembly of God Church and a Perry weatherman for 40 years.
Clark Durant Jones (1875-1966)- Newspaper publisher, writer, minister, politician, lecturer, businessman, temperance leader, builder and contractor, realtor and mayor. Durant was perhaps best known for his activism in favor of prohibition. He developed and promoted the "Jones Chautauqua System", a series 1904-1928 of productions that promoted the temperance movement across Iowa in the 1910's He owned and operated a normal school and a commercial school. He lived in Perry from 1907-1928 and in later years operated a radio show in Texas.
Charles Joy (1906-1986)- The grandson of one of Perry's original families, Charles Joy practiced law in Perry for more than 50 years. A constant ambassador for Perry, he was active in the community backing the creation of new banks, churches, and helping to establish Perry's first hog processing plant. Those who knew him said that he "never met a stranger," as he would strike up a conversation with anyone by saying "Hi,." I'm Charlie Joy from Perry, Iowa." He was a loving husband, father to three, and grandfather to six.
Michael S Kanealy (1937-2012)- Mike Kanealy owned and operated Michael's Pub, where "everybody knew your name" for 25 years. He was instrumental in fundraising that allowed Perry to continue to have Fourth of July fireworks in the mid-1980's.
Horace Lewis (1905-1984)- Horace was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky and died in Perry. He was ordained at Bethal Baptist Church in 1947, where he served as pastor for 32 years. He also worked at the Dallas County Hospital for 16 years serving as custodian and chaplain.
Fred Melick (1885-1972)- Melick, who was the son of a pioneer grocer in Perry, attended Perry schools, Simpson College, and held a master's degree in music from Northwestern University. He became the first city postman when city mail delivery was instituted in Perry on March 1, 1908. Melick, who is said to have carried pancakes in his hat for his lunch, walked 21 miles a day and added a hike in the country before reporting to work at 6 a.m. He san in the Methodist Church choir until he was 86, played the church organ for 35 years, and did not have an unexcused absence from Sunday school for 58 years. He donated 8,000 shares of Gimbel stock to the Methodist Church, stipulating that $125,000 be used for a pipe organ
Nora O'Malley (1884-1921)- Nora O'Malley, who wanted her sons to have a Catholic school education, led the town's successful campaign for a Catholic School. Recalls her daughter "My first recollection of my mother's campaign was when one day she took me to the Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad depot. When the train came in, two women, dressed differently than my mother, got off and met her. We took them home with us as they were invited by mother to discuss the ground work of starting a new school. They were Sister of the Order of St. Fracis. Every week she invited nuns to come from different localities that had Catholic schools to obtain suggestions and advice." After may years of working for the school, Nora died on the day St. Patrick Catholic School was dedicated.
W.H. Osmundson (1885-1972)- Osmundson came to Perry in 1903 to join his father in business. He became the owner of Osmundson Manufacturing Company, which has been in business for 69 years. An equine enthusiast, Osmundson won numerous awards for saddle, pleasure, and thoroughbred racing horses. He was a Kentucky Colonel for the Kentucky Derby for more than years and was inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame for saddle horse owners. Osmundson was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, the Elks Lodge, and lifetime memver of teh National Foundation of Elks.
Hazel Purviance (1905-2005)- Hazel was born in rural Washington Township, where she was educated in a one-room School and grew up on the family century farm. She was a life-long farmer.
Willis "Willy" Leon Tudor (1926-2002)- A lifelong resident of Perry, Willy could neither hear nor speak, but knew everyone, always had a smile, a wave, and sometimes a bow. Willy like to hang out at Perry Bowl, the theater, and some bars, although he didn't drink. He just enjoyed socializing. Willy attended the School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, attended church every Sunday, and always carried his Bible.
John Turner (1910-1998)- John Turner was born in Pleasant Plain, Iowa and died in Perry. His mother was from Wales and his father from England and was the president of the local mining union. A teacher for 44 years, John taught in Dallas County at the Beulah one-room school, Gardiner, Woodward, and Perry.
Dallas "Pete" VanKirk (1939-2016)- Under Pete VanKirk's management and leadership, the Progressive Foundry more than tripled in size, with a resulting expansion in employees and markets. He was the lead donor of the DMACC VanKirk Career Academy and for the basball and football fields in Perry's athletic complex. Every year, he and his wife, Joyce, gave $15,000 ub beed-based scholarships to help Perry seniors pursue a post-secondary education. He was a mentor and coach to local youth, and helped provide shelter to those in need wherever, he found them, including to Lost Boys of Sudan.
Jim Walstrom ()- Born on a Century Farm in Manson, Iowa, Jim's first adult job was with Perry's City Recreation Dept. Since then he co-foundedd the BRR Bike ride, which has the status as Iowa's largest bike ride. Jim served as the Chamber of Commerce director, and owned Western States Appliance Recycling Inc.
Leroy V "Snake" Whyte (1907-2000)- The son of a coal miner and Methodist preacher, Roy was born, in Buxton Iowa and died in Perry. A jazz trumpeter and son writer, Roy left Perry in 1924 to form the Doo-Dads of Diddy-Wa-Diddy in Des Moines. He toured the country and played with big bands such as Duke Ellington for 44 years.
Ned Willis (1921-1998)- Ned was born in Perry and died in Des Moines, He was a direct descendent of Harvey Willis, one of the founders of Perry. He was a graduate of Perry High School and the University of Iowa Law School. He was a B-25 pilot during WWII earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star. He practiced law in Perry and was a former Dallas County attorney. Ned was school board secretary and legal counsel for 47 years.
Lee O. Wiese (1904-1984)- Lee Wiese was Perry's most significant philanthropist of the last 75 years. The Perry community is still benefiting from all his contributions to the economic and cultural significance of Perry. Many Places hold the Wiese's name, such as Wiese Park and the building that the Perry Public Library is in is the Wiese Building.
Lee and his wife Irene influenced many lives by their actions and words. The Wiese Foundation was established in 1976 and has contributed to the betterment of several Perry establishments.
Lee and his wife Irene influenced many lives by their actions and words. The Wiese Foundation was established in 1976 and has contributed to the betterment of several Perry establishments.
Daniel L (Dan) Marburger (1967-2024)- Dan started at Perry High School as the associate principal in 1995. In 1997 after two years he was promoted to principal a position he held for 27 years. As principal of Perry High School he touched many lives.
Dan had a passion for education that was matched only by his dedication to the well-being and success of each student under his care. He helped instill the values of commitment, compassion, and academics in his students.
Dan and his wife Elizabeth raised 5 children in Perry.
Dan had a passion for education that was matched only by his dedication to the well-being and success of each student under his care. He helped instill the values of commitment, compassion, and academics in his students.
Dan and his wife Elizabeth raised 5 children in Perry.
Glenn Theulen (1925-2013)- Graduated from Perry Community High School 1943
Enlisted in the US Navy July 1943-April 1946
Attended Buena Vista University 1947-1950
Returned to Perry and worked for the Milwaukee Railroad
Enlisted in US Air Force September-1953-October 1957
Returned to Perry and worked again for the Milwaukee Railroad
Was a teacher and coached at various schools
Attended Indiana University and was a graduate assistant 1967-1968
Associate professor of P.E. and head basketball coach for Keene State College for 20 years
Theulen returned to Perry, Iowa in 1988 and served as mayor of Perry from 1990-1994
He was involved in many civic organizations and activities. Helped bring the caboose to honor the rich railroad history in Perry. Also involved in the establishment of the veterans memorial in Perry to honor all service men and women past and present.
To honor his hometown of Perry, he helped create the “Sentimental Journey” celebration that focused on life in Perry during the 1940s. He was a member of the Perry High School Hall of Fame, Buena Vista University Hall of Fame and Keene State College Hall of Fame. His life was devoted to helping people.
Enlisted in the US Navy July 1943-April 1946
Attended Buena Vista University 1947-1950
Returned to Perry and worked for the Milwaukee Railroad
Enlisted in US Air Force September-1953-October 1957
Returned to Perry and worked again for the Milwaukee Railroad
Was a teacher and coached at various schools
Attended Indiana University and was a graduate assistant 1967-1968
Associate professor of P.E. and head basketball coach for Keene State College for 20 years
Theulen returned to Perry, Iowa in 1988 and served as mayor of Perry from 1990-1994
He was involved in many civic organizations and activities. Helped bring the caboose to honor the rich railroad history in Perry. Also involved in the establishment of the veterans memorial in Perry to honor all service men and women past and present.
To honor his hometown of Perry, he helped create the “Sentimental Journey” celebration that focused on life in Perry during the 1940s. He was a member of the Perry High School Hall of Fame, Buena Vista University Hall of Fame and Keene State College Hall of Fame. His life was devoted to helping people.