Elliott Perovich

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Perovich, Elliott 86, passed away March 13, 2018. A resident of Anoka for more than 60 years, Elliott was known to many, especially students in the Anoka-Hennepin School District #11, which he served for 30 years. Elliott began his career as a teacher at Anoka Jr. High in 1956, after serving in the U.S. Army in France where he played baseball with the Toul Nancy Dodgers. Sports was a big part of his life--he was a football coach and a referee for 25 years for both the Minnesota State High School League and state-wide colleagues. In education, Elliott moved quickly from the classroom to the principal's office, with a stop in between as guidance counselor. He was tapped twice to establish new schools: Roosevelt Jr. High in 1965 and Blaine Sr. High in 1972. He was an early advocate of alternative approaches to learning, introducing a modular program at Blaine High School that brought national attention. While education was his passion, Elliott retired early to accept a call from then Gov. Rudy Perpich to serve as Chairman of the Regional Transit Board and then the Trucking Regulation Board. He was already well-known in government circles, having served as mayor of Anoka, chairman of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission and lobbyist for the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, among other public service. Following his state career, Elliott worked in Anoka County government where he lobbied for clean waste and mass transit. Born in the mining town of Crosby, Elliott always remained a proud son of the Cuyuna Range or, as he said with a smile, "the sophisticated range." He was the son and grandson of Serbian immigrants who taught him the importance of community and helping others--a hallmark of his life. Elliott Perovich was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Diana, parents George and Eva, daughter Cynthia, and grandson Benjamin. He is survived by daughters Becky Edwards (Bob) and Christine (David McGaughy), son-in-law Sam Lucast, sons Paul (Sue), George (Lisa), Peter (Sally) and Andrew, and 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Mar. 22, Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, 2005 Branch Ave., Anoka, MN 55303. Funeral service is at 1 p.m., Friday, Mar. 23, Trinity Episcopal Church, 1416 6th Ave., Anoka, MN 55303. Memorials preferred to Alzheimer's Disease Research at the Mayo Clinic, Anoka-Hennepin Education Foundation or charity of choice. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Camilia Rose Care Center in Coon Rapids for their excellent care and kindness.

Published on March 19, 2018