Perry John Schlueter, 75, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 with his family by his side loving and holding him while he quietly slipped away so peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on September 29, 1948 to Vernon and Johanna (Ruef) Schlueter.

Perry was confirmed and a member at St. Paul Church of Epleyanna. He was a 1966 Graduate of Dakota High School. Perry was drafted in the summer of 1968 and served two years in the United States Army.

After graduation, he bought his first car, 1966 Nova Chevy II Super Sport at John Pela's in Rock City. Later in life, his car would return to him and most recently bring life-long friends together once again rebuilding his car.

On August 1, 1970, he married Katherine Nelson Schlueter. They raised two children, Kerry John and Brent Alan while farming with his father and brother, and then with his son Kerry and most recently with his grandsons Brady and Garrett, making it the 4th generation on their family farm in Dakota, Illinois.

Perry's love was racing. First cars and then snowmobiles on the grass. He started his successful career in 1976. He and his wife developed so many good friends over a span of 40 years, racing until 1986 and then turning the tables to the race director for the organization SWDRA / NSRA. He ran a successful program with so many memories until he retired in 2016. His accomplishments did not go unnoticed, in 2001 Perry was the first grass drag racer inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame.

He will always be remembered as a strong, hard-working man, that never hardly missed a day of chores. He showed his affection by teasing you and making you laugh. Perry is a man you saw as gruff on the outside, but one knew deep down how he felt.

Perry is survived by his wife Katherine "Tiz" of 53 years, his son Brent and daughter-in-law Tina Schlueter. His grandchildren: Blake, Olivia and Abigail Schlueter, Brady (Taylor), Kendahlyn and Garrett Schlueter and his great granddaughter Lennon. His siblings: Dianne (Fritz) Meinert, Kathy (Randy) Fehr and Lonny (Vicki) Schlueter. His in-laws: Darlene (John) Losco, Linda (Dick) Kleckler, Harry (Janet) Nelson. His Aunt, Barbara Schrader and many cousins and nieces and nephews. His best friends, Bob Judy and Pete Goepfert.

Perry is preceded in death and joined in Heaven with his son Kerry, nephew Matthew Nelson and his parents: Vernon and Josie Schlueter, Harry and Bernice Nelson. His sister-in-law Charlene Gray and His brother-in-law David Kruger and family friend Philip Grandstrand.

A memorial has been established in his name for the VA Hospital of Madison and Monroe SSM Hospice/We Honor Veterans.

There will be a visitation held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 4-8pm at St. Paul Church of Epleyanna.  An additional visitation will also be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 beginning at 10am followed by a service at 11am all at St. Paul Church of Epleyanna.  His final resting place will be at St. Paul Church of Epleyanna cemetery. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com

Daughenbaugh Funeral Home is assisting the family.