Wayne F. Perg

“All things are impermanent. Embrace the change and find peace.” - Buddha

Wayne Franklin Perg, 83, of Saint Paul, MN, passed after battling cancer on March 10, 2026.

Wayne was born in Kalamazoo, MI on January 15, 1943 to Leo and Mildred Perg, who provided a loving and supportive home for Wayne and his three sisters. He attended Kalamazoo College, majoring in Economics and then earning his PhD in Economics at Purdue. His interest in economics translated into a passion for pursuing a reality where the economy is fair for everyone. He patented several economic tools that were created to help affect these changes. His latest venture was to create financing for affordable housing. PergLoans, a financial tool, was named in honor of Wayne after his passing by Arcstead Group, Inc. & OpenGate Financial.

The love in Wayne’s heart extended not only to the people in his life, known or unknown, but also to animals as well. He and his life partner, Helen Weber (DOD 12/31/2024), are survived by their beloved donkeys, Deuce and Cash, and beloved cats, Simba and Julie. Preceded in death by beloved horses, Red, Rocky, Diamond and Roxie, and beloved cat, Neesa. Their combined love of animals extended past the animals within their home as avid contributors of several animal rescues and sanctuaries such as the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, a non-profit organization in Fall River County, SD.

Wayne is survived by his children Lesley Perg, Catherine Johnson (Rich Johnson), and Barbara Miller, his grandchild Brandon O. Miller (Jakira Miller) and great-grandchildren Oakley Miller and Asher Miller. His surviving nieces and nephews include Becky Williams (Bob Williams), Rick Walker, Theodore Cavender-Park (Rachel Cavender-Park), Wayne A. Perg (Spikes Perg), and Emily Carter (Mike Carter). He is survived by his eldest sister, Leola M. Walker (Brock Inglehart). He is also survived by his former spouse and mother of their children, Carole J. Perg. Wayne and Helen are survived by Emilie Schroeder, a close friend who was truly family to both.

He was preceded in death by his partner Helen Weber after 24 years together. He was preceded in death by his father Leo J. Perg and his mother Mildred Wood Perg, and his youngest sister Kay Perg Harrison. His younger sister Lynne D. Perg passed soon after Wayne.

The spreading of ashes and service for Wayne Perg and Helen Weber will be held June 20, 2026 at the Better Place Forests, St. Croix Valley at 10:00am. There will be a gathering afterwards at the Archery Shelter at Spring Lake Park Reserve at 1:00pm. Donations to the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in memory of Wayne Perg and Helen Weber would be greatly appreciated.