Obituary: Edward "Skip" Philip Pelerin Jr.

Edward "Skip" Philip Pelerin Jr. was born on April 14, 1936, to Edward Philip Pelerin Sr. and Cecelia Catherine (Douglas) Pelerin on the White Earth Reservation. Skip graduated from Cloquet High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country for four years as a radio airborne operator in the Korean War. Following his service, he met Mary Jo Gooler, and they were united in marriage on May 14, 1960, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Duluth, Minnesota. Skip and Mary Jo moved to Chicago, where Skip worked at Steiner American. They later moved back to Minnesota, and he remained working for Steiner American. He then became a director with the Minnesota State Department of Human Rights. Skip worked there for 18 years until his retirement. He was a proud veteran and member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and enjoyed spending time with his family. On Thursday, June 6, 2024, Skip passed away in his wife's arms at his home in Cloquet. He was 88 years old.

Skip is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Jo Pelerin of Cloquet; daughters, Robin Pelerin of Duluth and Celia (Steve) Tarnowski of Duluth; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and two on the way; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Faith; his parents; brother, Douglas; and sisters, Ruth, Sue, Elaine, and Betty.

Per Skip's wishes, a private family service was held on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Nelson Funeral Care led by Deacon Bryan Bassa. Skip was laid to rest in Holy Family Cemetery in Cloquet with military honors presented by the U.S. Air Force and the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet. To sign an online registry please visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.