Obituary: Skip Pelerin

Edward “Skip” Philip Pelerin Jr. died June 6, 2024, in his wife’s arms at his home in Cloquet. He was 88.

Skip was born on April 14, 1936, to Edward Philip Pelerin Sr. and Cecelia Catherine (Douglas) Pelerin on the White Earth Reservation. He graduated from Cloquet High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years as an airborne radio operator in the Korean War.

Following his service, he met Mary Jo Gooler, and they were married May 14, 1960, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Duluth. Skip and Mary Jo moved to Chicago, where Skip worked at Steiner American, an industrial linen corporation. They later moved back to Minnesota, and he continued to work for Steiner American.

He then became a director with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Skip worked there for 18 years until retiring. He was a proud veteran and member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and enjoyed spending time with his family.

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.

In accordance with 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 entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care,

http://www.nelson funeralcare.net.

Pine Knot News, June 21, 2024