Pastor Nathaniel "Nat" C. Perry, Jr.

Nathaniel (Nat) C. Perry, Jr., 92, of Altoona, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Oakwood Health Services in Altoona. Nat was born April 11, 1931, in Baltimore, MD to Annie and Nathaniel C. Perry, Sr. Nat was the youngest of four children. His love of horses, dogs, cars, airplanes, and amateur “ham” radio began during his growing up years and continued through his life. 

As a young adult, his love for radio took Nat to a job as an electronics technician in the Radiation Laboratory of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. At the lab he met Hal Schrank, a godly man who lived his Christian faith.  Hal encouraged Nat to attend Word of Life Camp in the Adirondacks of New York. As a result of attending that camp and the preaching of Jack Wyrtzen, Nat gave his life to Jesus Christ.

Within a few years, Nat felt called to full time ministry and enrolled at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. While there, he met Mariel Fenton, and they married on June 14, 1958. After finishing his diploma at Moody, Nat completed his undergraduate degree at Bethel College in Minnesota.

Nat felt blessed to have a career doing what he loved: preaching God’s word and pastoring people. His time as a pastor took him from Saint Paul, Minnesota to Racine, WI, Ft Collins, CO, Spencer, IA, Chippewa Falls, WI, and Cedar Rapids, IA. He also spent seven years in Omaha, NE teaching Biblical studies and serving as Director of Christian Service at Grace College of the Bible.

Nat and Mariel re-located to Eau Claire, WI after retirement to be close to family. During those years, Nat received the gift of a yellow labrador retriever named Sandy. He treasured his canine friend, and loved the years she was with them.

Nat is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mariel (Fenton) Perry, his children, Mark Perry (Becky), Debra Perry (Lou Riebe), and Susan Bennett (Jeff); his grandchildren, David Perry (Holly), Tim Perry (Marisa), Isaiah Bennett (Sarah), Elizabeth Bennett, and Hannah Bennett. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Phyllis McComas, Jane Thompson, and Wanda Lee.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 123 W. Hamilton Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701.  Memorial visitation will take place at the church on that day from 1 pm until the time of service.  Private family interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to Moody Bible Institute:  https://www.moody.edu/ or Pressing On Campaign at Bethesda Lutheran Church:  https://c3ec.org/give 

The family would like to thank the staff of Oakwood Health Services and St. Joseph’s Hospice for their care and support of Nat and our family in the last week of his life.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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