John J. Perez

John J. Perez, age 85, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at McCrites Health Center in Topeka.

He was born the son of Norbert and Angela (Gutierrez) Perez on January 31, 1939, in Topeka, KS.

On September 12, 1959, John married Susan Valdivia at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together, they celebrated 65 years of marriage.

His work career spanned 30 years with the Sante Fe Railroad as a Carman and 17 years with Westar.

John was a longtime member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and a member of the St. Aloysius Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council #7426. He and Susan enjoyed going to church and assisting with church functions, especially, Fiesta Mexicana, throughout the years. John enjoyed fishing and taking fishing trips, hunting in his earlier years, and watching sports that included the KC Royals and KC Chiefs. He loved to travel with Susan, dance, and have date nights. His true passion was carpentry, remodeling and being able to fix anything. John’s greatest joy was his family. He had many nicknames but when his nieces and nephews would call him, “Daddy John” “Papa John,” it would bring the biggest smile to John.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Susan Perez; brother, Henry Perez; sister, Anna Romero (Pete); sister, Bernadette “Bernie” Garza (Frank); sister, Agnes Mendoza (Faustino); brother, Jimmy Perez (Patricia); sister, Ramona Perez; and sister, Mary Louise Perez (Steve) Other survivors include a loving extended family that includes many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Norbert Perez, Jr.; brother and sister-in-law, Espiridion “Frank” and Jennie Perez; as well as a sister-in-law, Patricia “Pat” Perez.

 A rosary will be held at 5:00 P.M., on Thursday, October 10, 2024, with visitation to follow until 8:00 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Friday, October 11, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Grantville Cemetery in Grantville, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made in John's memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.