Jack Perko

Jack Perko, aged 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 10, 2026, in Muskegon, Michigan. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the only son of Edward and Mary Perko and older brother to Pam Meyer (Gary Cannon). He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha Perko.

Jack will be remembered for his strength, selfless compassion, clever wit, and boundless trivia knowledge. His deep focus on family began early in life and created a lasting foundation for his children and grandchildren. He was the devoted father of two daughters, Laura (Ron) Rampersad and Joy (Brian) Demsey, and cherished his five grandchildren: Olivia (Will Breen), Ian, and Mariela Rampersad; and Leah and Felix Demsey. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The first in his family to attend college, Jack earned a degree in Chemistry from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. He worked as a chemist and manufacturing engineer, became an inventor with multiple patents, and built successful businesses, beginning with a fiberglass pultrusion company and later as part of a consulting group that pioneered computer simulation to optimize manufacturing workflows. His innovative thinking improved efficiency and output for manufacturing lines across the country. The sale of his first business, Pulastix, to Nohl Industries brought the family to Wisconsin, where he continued in fiberglass before transitioning to consulting. In Cedarburg, he and Martha built a close circle of friends and embraced new hobbies and passions.

Jack believed life was a gift to be fully enjoyed. In Wisconsin, he discovered autocross racing with his refurbished 1979 Mazda RX7, shifted his boating passion from waterskiing to sailing, and raced his sailboat “Firewater” on both sides of Lake Michigan. He maintained a lifelong love of baseball and professional sports, faithfully following the Detroit Tigers while quietly rooting for the underdogs, including the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Purdue Boilermakers. After Martha’s retirement, they moved to Spring Lake, Michigan, to be near deep water and their grandchildren. He was a constant presence at his grandchildren’s sporting events and Hope College football games. The family cottage on Bostwick Lake offered him and Martha a cherished place for family meals, wine, sunsets, and late-night euchre.

In his later years, Jack volunteered with PET, using his skills to build hand-cranked carts for amputees in developing countries. He also found community and strength at the Grand Haven YMCA through “Pedaling for Parkinson’s,” which helped him manage his illness and continue enjoying life. He was an active member of the C3 Community, serving on the Gold Team. Jack leaves a legacy of perseverance, optimism, and quiet strength that will continue to guide his family and all who knew him.