Eldon Dale Perrine

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Eldon Dale Perrine, age 88, of Tacoma, WA died Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at St. Joseph Medical Center following a period of illness. Dale was born November 4, 1933, in New Canton, IL, to Alvin and Mildred Perrine. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Betty, Bonnie, Lucille, Robert, and Duane. Following in the military footsteps of his father, Dale joined the Army and served in the Vietnam War. The military eventually brought him to Tacoma, WA where he met the love of his life, Antonina Perrine, on the dance floor of the NCO club. They tied the knot in August 1969 and were married for an incredible 52 years, raising their two children: Ron Perrine and Rhonda Ryan. After retiring from the military, Dale went on to retire from the U.S. Postal Service.

He was a man of few words, enjoyed playing Gin Rummy with his wife, and keeping score just in case she cheated. He loved to watch his Wheel of Fortune, Price is Right, Jeopardy, and cannot forget the countless hours of college sports, even if they were in Spanish. Ann and Dale’s greatest joy was spending time with family, especially their grandchildren. Dale was notorious for his midnight snacks and could often be found at the kitchen table, splitting a watermelon or having a bowl of cereal with his grandkids. He was a hard worker and stubborn as could be, but he was a man who gave everything to his family, especially to his wife. Even at the end of his journey, he made sure to tell his family he loved them.

Dale is survived by his wife, Antonina Perrine; their children: Ron Perrine and Rhonda Ryan; grandchildren: Stephanie Perrine, Bryan Perrine, Josiah Ryan and Michaiah Ryan; son-in-law, Michael Ryan; and many nieces and nephews and their families. Dale was much loved by his family and will be greatly missed. The family offers gratitude to all who shared their time with Dale.

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