He was born May 24, 1947, in Hancock, a son of the late Frank M. and Beatrice (Harry) Perfetti and was a 1965 graduate of the Jeffers High School.

After graduation, Frank went to work for Western Electric until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966.

He was stationed in Vietnam for six months when his cousin, Phillip Onkalo, joined his unit. Two days later Phillip was killed in the line of duty. Frank was called upon to escort Phillip’s body back home.

Although he did not return to Vietnam, Frank continued serving his country at Ft. Sheridan in Illinois, until his honorable discharge as sergeant in 1968.

Following his military discharge, Frank returned to work at Western Electric and was transferred to Michigan Bell Telephone Co., retiring in 2002 as a lineman from AT&T. After retirement, he worked part-time as a wingman at the Houghton County Road Commission.

On April 18, 1970, Frank was married to Kathy Turcotte at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Atlantic Mine.

Frank was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church of South Range, Ranger Post 6165 VFW of South Range and Communications Workers of America.

Frank played in the Copper Country Fast Pitch Softball League as a catcher for Bosch Brewery and Jim’s Foodmart, and played several years in the 50 and over Copper Country Slow Pitch League. In the winter months, he played rink hockey for the Baltic Bears.

Frank loved the outdoors. He enjoyed stream fishing, hunting deer and taking his beagles in the bush to hunt rabbits and birds. He was known for his flower and vegetable gardens. He was generous in sharing his wonderful vegetables with family and friends.

Frank was enthusiastic when it came to the holidays. He went all out decorating with holiday lighting. His expertise in lighting and decorating the family pontoon won first place several times in the Twin Lakes fourth of July boat parades.

Frank was a jack of all trades. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do or fix. He never hesitated to help anyone with a project. He especially enjoyed being at Twin Lakes during the summer months with his Crescent Beach Lake family.

Frank was a devoted dad and grandpa. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with his kids and grandkids. Spending time with each of his grandkids brought him great joy.

He was a proud grandpa, fully supporting them in sports and other activities. He never missed attending his grandchildrens’ sporting events. He was also an avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Lions.

Frank is survived by his wife, Kathy of Painesdale; daughters, Laura (Mike) Zerbst of Atlantic Mine, Susan Perfetti of Iron Mountain and Leeann O’Neal of Big Rapids; six grandchildren, Matthew and Jacob Zerbst, Zachary and Mariah Marcell and Cody and Lily O’Neal; a brother, Vernon (Patti) Perfetti of Chassell; his father-in-law, Hank Turcotte of Houghton; brothers-in-law, David (Marilyn) Turcotte of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Tim Turcotte of South Range; sisters-in-law, Patti (Dan) Coffey of Toivola and Terry Turcotte of South Range; special aunt, Eva (David) Chimino of Houghton; two uncles; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; his beagle dog and special buddy, Hunter; and many dear friends.

Besides his parents; Frank was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Marilyn Turcotte; brother-in-law, Clark Turcotte; and a cousin, Phillip Onkalo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Range, with Rev. Fr. John Martignon as celebrant.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range, where a memorial service will be conducted by Ranger Post at 7 p.m. followed by a parish prayer service. There will be no visitation at the church. Burial with military rites will be in the Mountain View Cemetery in South Range.

Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or the Copper Country Humane Society, P.O. Box 453, Houghton, 49931, in the name of Frank L. Perfetti.

Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com

Frank L. “Kinko” Perfetti

Frank L. “Kinko” Perfetti, 69, of Painesdale, died unexpectedly on Thursday, October 13, 2016. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc.