Phyllis A. Perich

Visitation: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 10-11:30am at Heritage Funeral Home (6615 W. Oklahoma Ave)

Service: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 11:30am at Heritage Funeral Home

Phyllis A. Perich (nee Erhardt)

Phyllis Anne Perich, 91, was called home to the Lord on Sunday, August 14, 2022 in her home with her beloved daughters Sandra and Natalie at her bedside.

Phyllis is survived by her children Roxanne (Tim) Carloni, Sandra Perich, Stevan (Sonia) Perich, Thomas Perich, and Natalie (Jim) Zillmer; grandchildren Deanne, Brittany, Christopher (Kate) Carloni, Michelle, Laura, Andrew, Bradley Perich, Rebecca (James) Ellis, Ramona, Rianna Dockerty; great granddaughter Emilia Ellis; special family friend Dea Pokey; many nieces and nephews; and three additional great grandchildren she never had the opportunity to meet.

In addition to her beloved husband Vladimir, Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved children Donna and Alexander Perich; sisters Vivian Beier, Elaine Butzlaff, and Marion Mack; daughter-in-law Sandra Dee Perich and son-in-law Robert Dockerty Jr.; and niece Linda “Candy” Butzlaff.

She was born to Frank and Dorothy Erhardt on December 27, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI, where she remained a lifelong resident. After graduating Valedictorian of the Pulaski High School Class of 1949, she pursued her lifelong career at Milwaukee Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her Registered Nursing degree in 1954. This was a true calling as her strongest traits were her patience and kindness.

Phyllis enjoyed dancing, and it was ballroom dancing at The Eagles Club on Wisconsin Avenue where she met the love of her life, Vladimir, with whom she celebrated 58 years of marriage before his death. He remained her one and only true love. Their love carried them through the loss of their first daughter, Donna, to heart failure at the tender age of nine months, and it continued to grow as they raised six additional children together.

Music was one of the simple pleasures that brought joy to Phyllis. She loved playing the cello and piano, even tickling the ivories still just a month before she passed away. She passed that love of music along to all of her children and many of her grandchildren, and her last few weeks were blessed with private performances in her living room by her beloved daughter Roxanne, a recently retired music teacher.

Her family was her greatest joy. Planning family vacations was her favorite activity, and she was a saint to take six children on week long road trips every summer. The rest of the year she regularly loaded up the station wagon to take them on experiences. Summerfest, State Fair, Muskego Beach, movie theaters, drive-in movies, Pinky’s bowling, air shows, parades and much more. When she became a grandmother, trips to the park, the dollar store, and movies continued. The lasting memories she created will always be cherished.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service is planned for Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Heritage Funeral Home, 6615 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee WI at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A casual luncheon will be held after the service. Processional to Arlington Park Cemetery for Interment at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the charity of your choice are appreciated.

Heritage Funeral Homes

6615 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee

414-321-7440