Celebrating the Life of Elizabeth “Nikki” Rose Perry (August 8, 1941-May 15, 2026)

Elizabeth “Nikki” Rose Perry was born on August 8, 1941, to Wilbur F. and Rose E. (Farrell) Kornder in rural Kingsbury County, South Dakota. She attended elementary school in Osceola, South Dakota; completed 9th and 10th grades in Bancroft, South Dakota; and graduated from St. Agatha Catholic School in Howard in 1959 as the salutatorian of her class.

On January 30, 1960, Nikki married the love of her life, Richard James Perry. Together, they built a life centered on faith, love, and family, eventually making their home in Centerville, South Dakota, in 1972. From an early age, Nikki carried a deep love for her faith. As a young girl on the way to church, she would stand in the backseat with her siblings, singing “The Old Rugged Cross,” a song she held close to her heart throughout her life.

Nikki’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. Her home was filled with warmth, prayer, laughter, and the comforting aromas of homemade cinnamon rolls, strawberry rhubarb jam, and homemade ice cream. She lovingly prepared meals and baked goods for family gatherings, bake sales, and anyone fortunate enough to stop by.

She was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Nikki was known as a faithful prayer warrior who found strength and peace in her many devotional books and in the Serenity Prayer, which remained especially meaningful to her throughout her life. In quieter moments, she enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and word searches.

Above all, Nikki will be remembered for her tender heart, unwavering faith, gentle kindness, and deep devotion to those she loved. She lived a life rooted in compassion and family, leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue through generations. She expressed her love freely, always saying “I love you” and giving a fierce hug so that those around her knew they were deeply loved—something that will be greatly missed.

Nikki is lovingly reunited in Heaven with her parents, Wilbur and Rose Kornder; her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Perry; her sons, James Perry, Bradley Perry, and Brent Perry; her brother, Donald Kornder; her sister, Joan Currier; and her brother-in-law, Merlin Currier, sisters-in-law, Peggy Schmidt, Linda Philippi, Sharon Price, Judy Eie.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her brother, Roger (Joy) Kornder of Great Falls, Montana; her sister, Anne Olson of Aptos, California; her daughter, Julie Viet of Rochester, Minnesota; her son, Clint (JuLynn) Perry of Centerville, South Dakota; daughters-in-law Candis Perry of Mina, South Dakota, and Margie Perry of Le Mars, Iowa; along with her many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many special nieces and nephews.

Grandchildren: Craig (Tara) Bohlman, Nicole (Colin) Fulbright, Megan (Justin) Mabe, Laura Bohlman, Jeremy (Kayla) Viet, Jason (Katrina) Viet, Jacob (Tami) Perry, Alexis (Jake) Novosad, Stacia (Derek) Hitzemann, Rhonda Perry, Christian (Jayden Palm) Perry, Andrew Kolker and Isaiah Perry.

Great-grandchildren: Austin Bohlman, Egan Hitzemann, Bradley Perry, Gavin Fulbright, Alijah Bohlman, Oliver Fulbright, Madelynn Ellis, Grayson Viet, Luke Viet, Trinity Ellis, Luke Mabe, Everly Viet, Claire Mabe, Eliana Fulbright, and a Perry baby girl expected in May 2026.

A service will be held on Friday, May 22, at 10:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Centerville.

“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.”

- George Bennard, “The Old Rugged Cross”, 1912

The Family would like to invite you to join us for lunch following the internment.