Lester James Perkins

Lester (Les) James Perkins, age 91, of Mankato passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024.  

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30th at Northview Mortuary in North Mankato. Visitation is one hour prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. Private graveside burial will be held at Glenwood Cemetery for family members. 

Les was born on April 13, 1933 to Hershel and Edith Perkins in West Bend, Iowa where he was raised and attended school. He played basketball, was in the school band, and proudly participated in 4-H showing cattle. He graduated from West Bend High School in 1951. 

On June 10, 1956 he married the love of his life, Jane Wolfe, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Les began his career in sales at Golden Sun Feeds in Estherville, Iowa. He then moved on to Wilson Trailer Company in Sioux City, Iowa where he started in sales and eventually became Vice President of Marketing. In 1976, he acquired Wilson Trailer Sales of Minnesota Inc. He also co-founded Pier Pleasure Docks and Lifts in 1974. Both companies are based in Mankato, Minnesota, and are owned and operated by his family today.

Les enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing (especially with the Bogie Boys group in Arizona) and traveling with his family and friends. He also enjoyed woodworking and building birdhouses for others. His favorite past time was spending quality time at his lake cabin with his family. 

Les is loved and missed by his wife of 68 years, Jane; his children, Cindy (Bob) Rothenbuehler and Todd (Kate) Perkins; his grandchildren, Anika Perkins and Abby (Tyler) Grey; and his great-grandchildren, Audra and Elsie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hershel and Edith; his brother, Melvin (Bud); and his sisters, Lois and Marge. 

Les will be remembered for his willingness to help others, being a great husband, father and “papa”, the countless friendships he made, and the love he shared with those around him.

In lieu of flowers memorials maybe given to the donor’s choice. 

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Mortuary.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.