Michael R. Peramaki

Gwinn / Munising

Michael Peramaki, age 77, of Gwinn and formerly of Munising, died following a lengthy illness on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at UPHS Marquette.  On February 24, 1944, he was born in Newberry, Michigan, to Reino and Bertha (Mattson) Peramaki.  Mike grew up in Munising, in the West End.  While still an infant, in 1944, his father, Reino, died.  Bertha later married Leon Methot, and from there, Mike’s family grew.  Mike attended Wm. G. Mather High School in Munising and was given the nickname “Peggers.”  He was a standout scholar-athlete, a member of the National Honors Society, a varsity basketball player, and was the 1961 team MVP for the Mustangs’ football team.  Mike graduated from Munising in 1962 and then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Michigan Tech University, and later his teaching certificate from Northern Michigan University.  Mike married Lenora Lasak in 1967, and together they had their son Matthew. Lenora preceded Mike in death in 1974.  Mike was hired at Gwinn High School out of college, where he taught science for nearly thirty years.  While teaching, he also coached middle school basketball, J.V. football and served as an assistant varsity football coach for many years.  Even after retirement from teaching in 1999, Mike stayed on the coaching staff for the Modeltowners.  In 1983, he married Nancy (Schoof) Simmons, and together they raised their family in Gwinn.  They enjoyed taking trips to the casino, rides in the woods, and traveling together to craft shows where Mike would display his many rock art creations.  They also loved traveling around the U.P. and beyond to support their grandchildren in all their sporting events.  Mike found great enjoyment in the funny, silly, and humorous actions and attitudes of his grandchildren and other young people.  He was an avid sports fan and a fierce competitor in solving crossword puzzles.  Mike was so confident; he would solve them in red ink.  Mike looked forward to hunting at the Bear’s Den and his many fishing trips to Canada with Matt and friends. They caught many fish, including Mike’s fish that set line class records for Brook Trout (Lake Nipigon, Ontario) and Pink Salmon (Kenai River, Alaska).

Mike is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years – Nancy Peramaki of Gwinn; son – Matthew (Anne) Peramaki of Wetmore; daughter – Rebecca (Joe) LaBrecque of Marquette; grandchildren – Michaela, Madeleine, Micaiah, and Josiah Peramaki, and Lauren LaBrecque; siblings – Patricia LaCombe, Lawrence “Lorny” Methot, and Warren “Toots” Methot; nieces and nephews – Jeff and Todd Wickstrom, Grant LaCombe, Miles Methot, David and Craig Haywood, and Kim Methot.  He was preceded in death by his wife – Lenora; parents – Reino Peramaki and Bertha and Leo Methot; infant brother – Peter; and grandparents - Saul and Fannie Mattson; and Emmanuel and Hilma Peramaki.

A graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name may be made to the Munising Mustang Football program or the Gwinn Modeltowners Football program.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising at 2:00 p.m.