Virgil Franklin Perry, Sr. 83 years young of Blair, WI peacefully passed away March 29, 2018 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI. He was born May 16, 1934 in Menomonie, WI to Clarence and Norma Perry.

As a young man he served our country in both the Army and the Air Force. He married Elaine Johnson on April 7, 1955. Together they raised Virgil Jr., Patti, and Lori. They were married until Elaine's passing in 1995. Virgil, "Kingfish," worked as a structural iron worker through Local 512 until he retired. He received his 60 years of service pin. Virgil's passion was pulling ponies and horses for nearly 50 years where he was well respected by the entire "pulling" community. He has earned many awards and distinctions to include the only puller to receive both Wisconsin and Minnesota high point trophies in the same year and most notable; the induction to the Wisconsin Horse Pullers Association Hall of Fame in 2007. Virgil married Dawn Dabelstein-Lessman on January 22, 1999. They enjoyed 20 great years of time spent traveling to horse pulls, casinos and visiting family.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Dawn Perry of Blair, WI, his daughters Patti (Bob) Bacher of Scottsdale, AZ, Lori (Jeff) Perry-Morrow of Stuart, FL, Nickol (Shane) Giacomino of Osseo, WI, his grandchildren, Jason (Amanda) Perry of Almena, WI, Lindsay (Kris) Samora of Albuquerque, NM, Jami (Reid) McCree of Stuart, FL, Rachel Perry of Texas, Wesly Perry of White Bear Lake, MN, Hanna and Sara Giacomino of Osseo, WI, Dalton, Carter, and Dillon Lessman of Mondovi, WI. His great-grandchildren Breanna and Chase Samora, Jaxon and James Perry, 3 great granddaughters and two more great grandchildren on the way, Mother-in-law Verna Dabelstein, Sister-in-law Marilyn (Hal) Dabelstein, Brother-in-law Jimmy (Janel) Dabelstein.

Virgil is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Norma Perry, his late wife Elaine Perry, his son Virgil Perry Jr. and his son Travis Lessman, brothers Chuck and Doug, sisters LaVonne and Jane.

Virgil's wishes were to have his ashes shared and spread among his loved ones and on the track where he worked his draft hors­­­­­­es.