Christ Eugene Pertile

SUN CITY, Ariz. - On Feb. 7, 2017, our beloved father, Christ Eugene Pertile, left us to join his Heavenly Father in eternal life. Our father gave a courageous and dignified battle to recover after having a stroke on Dec. 31, 2016. We held his hand while sharing loving and personal memories, told him how we loved him so, and reminded him of a life well lived.

Christ Eugene Pertile was born on March 26, 1928, to Medio and Lee Pertile (Bissell) in Ironwood, Mich. He received his education at St. Ambrose Catholic School and at the tender age of 17 joined the U.S. Navy. We loved listening to stories our father would tell us, of showing up on some Eastern Island far, far from home, and how he was truly pleasantly surprised when he continued to see his life-long dear, dear friend, Bob Nylund, on the same foreign land.

Chris met and fell in love with the love of his life, Lorraine Shiffra. They were married and shared life's journey together for 53 wonderful and blessed years.

Chris was preceded in death by his beloved parents; his sister, Margaret Pertile (McQuiqqan); and his wife, and one and only sweetheart, Lorraine Pertile (Shiffra). Chris was also preceded in death by his loving grandson, Jason Christopher Pertile. He was also preceded by many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Chris leaves behind the apple of his eye - his two children, David and Jackie Pertile (Zawacki), Sandra Pertile (Summers) and her husband, Jim; his precious grandchildren, Matthew and Samantha Pertile (Price) and Luke; as well as his little angels, his great-granddaughters, Bailey, Alexandra and Audrey. His extended family also includes many cousins; his niece, Sharon; and one of his favorite cousins, Patsy Pertile Paul; and Jody Summers, and Kristin and Preston Andrews, who enjoyed making sweet memories with Chris for the past 15 years.

Chris worked for General Motors for 30 years, and after retiring he and his love enjoyed traveling, being with family, participating in the Ironwood Knights of Columbus, and, of course, you could always find our dad, any day of the week, shooting 18 holes well into his 80s. He cherished a great meal, a tasty Manhattan, and coffee and breakfast with all of his pals.

Thank you, God, for allowing us to call Christopher Eugene Pertile "dad" and "pop" for the past 88 years. What a gift you gave us.

A life memorial celebration will be held in Sun City, and in Ironwood.