RACINE – Mr. Gilberto C. Perez, 78, passed away unexpectedly at WFH- All Saints on Sunday, August 30, 2015.

He was born in Texas on April 19, 1937, the son of the late Mamerto and Angelina (nee: Costiano) Perez.  In 1956 he married Beatrice Mendiola.  She preceded him in death on January 9, 1997.

Mr. Perez worked for JI Case Corporation for 30 years where he also proudly served as a union steward.  A man of faith, he attended various Catholic churches in town; most recently, Sacred Heart.  He had a love for all animals and was happiest when in the presence of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Hector (fiancé, DaNeal) Perez, Rick (Debbie) Perez both of Racine, Margie Perez of Stevens Point, Annamarie (Robert) Guzman of Racine and Rosie (Ron) La Fond of Kenosha; his 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; his sister, Jane Peroni of California; as well as many dear nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Perez was preceded in death by his daughter Sylvia Brown.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, September 5, 2015 from 10-11 a.m. for a visitation.  A service remembering and celebrating his life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Interment at West Lawn Memorial Park will take place after the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (4619 N Ravenswood Ave #302, Chicago, IL 60640).