Rodney W. Perala

Rod Walter Perala, 53, of Hawley, MN, died of Congestive Heart Failure on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Rod was born on April 8, 1965 in Fargo, ND. He was adopted to his parents Jess and Irene (Korby) Perala. Rod lived with his family in the Fargo area until they moved to Pelican Rapids, MN in 1976.

Rod attended school in Pelican Rapids and was an avid Pole Vaulter, Track team member, and Football player. Rod’s ultimate love was dirt bike racing as it gave him the adrenaline he always craved. Rod graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1984. He continued onto college and attended NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND and graduated with a Mechanical Drafting degree.

Rod was employed at Alderon Industries, Hawley, MN where he was able to work with his hands, and he loved the casual work environment and all the friendships he shared with his co-workers. Rod was a very simple man and was content with surrounding himself with his wife and kids. He was very much a family man and always put his family first, and the rest to follow.

Rod was very passionate about his strong work ethic, staying active, his youthful attitude toward life and supporting his favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings.

Rod will be dearly missed by all.

Rod is survived by his wife, Sheri of 23 years; children Mikenze (20), and Zakary (16); sister, Shanna (Roddy) Grefsrud; Mother- In-Law, Vi Gross; Brothers-In- Law; Chad (Special friend Kris Meindl) Gross, Joe (Amy) Gross, Travis (Katie) Gross. Rod also leaves behind many Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Mother; Irene, and Father Jess; Father- In- Law, Ed Gross, and numerous Aunts and Uncles.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at 2:00 P.M., with visitation for one hour before the service, at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley, MN.