Martin G. Perenchio

Martin G. Perenchio, 69, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Harvard and Crystal Lake, Illinois, died June 1^st peacefully at his son’s home in Batavia, IL. He found strength in family to endure what came and was surrounded by those who loved him and supported him during his 5-month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Marty was born in Harvard, Illinois to Jack and Arlene Perenchio, and grew up on his family’s dairy farm at the time when Harvard was the “Milk Capital of the World”. Marty was a firefighter for 42 years and a paramedic who served countless numbers of people throughout his life. He served on Harvard Fire Protection District, where he was an assistant chief and chief of HFPD for 17 years, and oversaw the merger of Harvard Rescue into HFPD, retiring in 2000. He then was a firefighter/paramedic for Crystal Lake Fire Rescue department for 11 years, then rejoined HFPD, serving as firefighter/paramedic, and Trustee. He also served with Northwest Rescue Critical Care transport, and was an Illinois Fire Service Instructor at McHenry County College. He continued CPR instructor duties at local high schools wherever he lived. Marty also worked 37 years as a union commercial journeyman plumber with Chicago Local 130, and was instrumental in the construction of medical facilities, libraries, schools, grocery stores, and municipal structures throughout northwestern Illinois. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas 3 years ago to enjoy their 57 acres of forests, fields and trails in the Ozark Mountains. He contributed to his new community again with firefighter duties and as a rural First Responder to medical emergencies. He was also most recently appointed to Western Carroll County Ambulance District/Emergency Medical Response Alliance. Marty enjoyed these years riding his tractor, mowing fields, cutting logs, chopping firewood, gardening, canning vegetables, feeding the hummingbirds and deer, woodworking, fixing equipment in his workshop, traveling to see family, and visiting with the grandchildren.

He learned early in life the value of hard work which he carried through his entire life. Marty was resourceful, focused, practical, the “voice of reason”, able to fix or build anything, and was generous in responding to every need. His firefighter colleagues will attest: Who was it that washed and waxed the engines? Marty! Who was it who lubed the chassis on them all? Marty! Who fixed the lighting, fixed the riding mower problems? Marty! The list goes on and on. Extra duties? Marty was there. Midnight emergencies? Expect to see Marty. Downtown parades? Guess who. Office admin? New tires for the squad? Ozark Carving fundraiser event? Board membership? He could always be found in the thick of things. Those were some of the things he did for his department, and they sometimes said “Thank You”. But for the most, there was the friendship and camaraderie that was most appreciated. Others would learn from his gentle style of patient care when the victim was distressed and from his rapid analysis of the extent of an injury. The fire/rescue emergency providers were always glad he was there and he was admired for his good sense and skillful care of the patient. What made Marty so appreciated was the gentle way that he offered to help. No blustering or pushy claims of his credentials, but a simple offer to help where needed. His lifetime as a paramedic and firefighter not only made him a wonderful addition to the communities in which he lived, but made him indispensable in solving many practical problems. There were no conditions attached to his neighborliness and he was known to be always ready to help. So, for his friendship and his example of being a thoroughly good human being, we are thankful.

Marty is survived by his wife of  20 years, Dr. Carol (Wilt) Perenchio, and children Lisa Perenchio, Honolulu, HI; Julie Perenchio, Naperville, IL; Lindsey Perenchio, Branson, MO; Dr. Bryan (Karen) Darger, San Luis Obispo, CA; Evan (Katie) Darger, Batavia, IL, & Kathleen Darger, Olympia, WA; grandchildren Luca, Shannon, LIndan, Emily, and Natalie; mother Arlene Perenchio, Walworth, WI; brothers and sisters Jill (Frank) Mills, Harvard, IL; Jeff (Christine) Perenchio, Arlington Heights, IL; Ann (Paul) Scherbinski, Chippewa Lake, OH; Gina (Dave) Ingraham, St. Charles, IL, Steve (Jana) Perenchio, New Braunfels, TX; Chuck (Debbie) Perenchio, Harvard, IL; and Janet (Jim) Badovinac, Rossville, TN; and numerous brother- and sisters’-in-law; cousins, nieces, and nephews. Marty was preceded in death by his father James “Jack” Perenchio, and previous wife Linda Perenchio.

Final arrangements entrusted to Moss Family Funeral Home, Batavia, IL. Memorial service will be held at a later date at McFarlin Saunders Funeral Home, Harvard, IL.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations in Marty’s name, per his request, to Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN), or Make-A-Wish Foundation. View obituary and share comments at www.mossfuneral.com.