Dr. Harold O. Perry

Harold O. Perry, 91, died peacefully surrounded by family at Charter House in Rochester, Minnesota.Dr. Perry was born on November 18,1921 in Rochester and spent his entire life in his beloved hometown. Harold was educated in the Rochester Public School System.He was enthusiastic in his pursuit of knowledge and took his studies seriously, as evidenced by his election to the National Honor Society in high school. Harold attended Rochester Junior College from 1939-1942 and graduated with an AA degree.He attended the University of Minnesota and earned his B.S. Degree in 1944. Harold entered medical school at the University of Minnesota and was awarded his M.D. Degree in 1946 after interning at the United States Naval Hospital in Oakland, California.He was on active duty in the Navy from April 1946 until June 1948. In 1951, Dr. Perry joined the Naval Reserve Medical Unit at Mayo and served as Commanding Officer from 1967-1969.He retired as a Captain from the Naval Reserve in 1981. Dr. Perry entered Mayo Foundation Graduate School of Medicine in 1949 and received his M.S. Degree in Dermatology from the University of Minnesota in 1953.He was appointed a Mayo Consultant in Dermatology in 1953.Dr. Perry advanced through the academic ranks to become a professor in the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine (1970) and the Mayo Medical School (1980). He served as Department Chairman from 1975-1983 and held the Robert Kieckhefer Chair in Dermatology at Mayo from 1978-1983.Dr. Perry was a highly respected teacher who was voted Teacher of the Year on three occasions by the Dermatology Fellows at Mayo Clinic. He became a member of the Teacher Hall of Fame for his efforts. Along with his gifts as a teacher, Dr. Perry will be remembered for his significant and enduring contributions in the field of Dermatology.He was highly valued throughout the world for his astute clinical skills. In addition, Dr. Perrys achievements in research and innovation have been recognized both nationally and internationally through countless honors. Dr. Perry was a revered leader in many professional organizations.Throughout his storied career, he served as President of the Minnesota Dermatological Society, the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society, the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Dermatological Association, and the American Board of Dermatology.Upon his retirement in 1986, Dr. Perry became a lifetime member of the Academy and was a recipient of the Gold Medal of the Academy, the highest honor conferred by that organization. Other highlights of Dr. Perrys career included establishment of the Harold O. Perry Lecture by the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society in 1984, selection as a Master of Dermatology by the American Academy of Dermatology in 1985, and the Mayo Foundation Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1995.In 1998, the Mayo Department of Dermatology honored Dr. Perry with an endowment of the Harold O. Perry Lectureship. Dr. Perrys love of learning will be continued through the establishment of the Harold O. Perry Scholastic Award from the Department of Dermatology.True to his humble nature, Harold always appreciated the opportunities he received at Rochester Community and Technical College.Along with his wife, Loraine, Harold established a scholarship at RCTC as a way to give students a chance to access educational opportunities. Although legendary in the field of Dermatology, Harold will be most lovingly remembered by his family for his roles of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.Together with his wife Loraine, Harold created strong family ties grounded in mutual respect, togetherness, and tradition.Harold especially enjoyed gatherings at the family cabin on Half Moon Lake.Harold and Loraine graciously entertained guests and anyone who visited their home was treated to their generous hospitality. Throughout his laudable career, Harold remained humble in his accomplishments and grateful for the opportunities he received to pursue his lifes work.He has created a legacy of achievement for his family based on pursuit of excellence, love of learning, appreciation for blessings and strength through adversity. Harolds family feels blessed by his presence in their lives and will never forget his wisdom, wit, generosity and guidance. Harold is survived by his wife of 68 years, Loraine (Moehnke) Perry.He is also survived by his children Preston Perry, Oliver Perry (Susan), Ann Perry, John A. Perry (Joslyn); also by grandchildren Nicole (Brion) Bawek, Brenda Perry, John O. Perry, Erica (Shawn) Koval, John Onwualu, James Onwualu, Kirsten Perry, Reid Perry, and great-grandson Riley Bawek. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, brother Oliver, sister Appolonia Kruse, and infant daughter Brenda. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Charter House.Burial will be held in Oakwood Cemetery on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff on the 4th floor Supportive Care Unit at Charter House.Harold received care that was competent, loving, attentive, and personal.Mere words are inadequate to thank this exemplary group of people. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following organizations: Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 designated to the Harold O. Perry Endowed Lectureship Foundation or to the Harold and Loraine T. Perry Endowed Scholarship Fund in care of RCTC Foundation, 851 30th Ave. SE., Rochester, MN 55904. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN55901 (507)289-3600www.ranfranzandvinefh.com