Perry G. Weeks

Perry Gene Weeks, Former Zumbrota Mayor and Businessman, Dies at 84

Zumbrota, MN – Perry Gene Weeks, lifelong Zumbrota resident, former mayor, and retired owner of Bob Seely Ford, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025 at Seasons Hospice in Rochester. He was 84.

Born on July 9, 1940, in Red Wing, Minnesota, Perry was the eldest of two children born to Clara and Philip Weeks. Raised on East Fourth Street in Zumbrota, he attended Zumbrota Public Schools and spent much of his life in Zumbrota.

As a boy, Perry delivered newspapers and worked at the Zumbrota Creamery. Perry also worked at the State Theatre operating the film projector and running the concession stand, where he developed a lifelong passion for popcorn—always made the proper way. He also loved making ice cream with his parents and bottling root beer with his Aunt Irene. These small joys, often shared with others, became part of his lifelong love for gathering friends and family together.

After graduating from high school in 1958, Perry met Diane Swee of Wanamingo. The couple married on July 9, 1960 and shared 64 happy years together. They raised four children, and Perry was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather to a large and loving family.

Perry began working at Bob Seely Ford in 1960 doing bookkeeping and working in the parts department, but he found his true calling in sales where he quickly developed a reputation for honesty and integrity. He rose through the ranks to ultimately purchase the business in 1980. His leadership and personal touch helped grow the business while maintaining lasting connections with both his customers, and his employees, whom he deeply valued.

In addition to his business work, he served on the Zumbrota City Council and was later elected mayor. He was a charter member of the Zumbrota Volunteer Ambulance and was an active member of the local Lion’s Club too. His commitment to the community through his public service and lasting involvement with both Lands Lutheran Church in Zumbrota and Zion of Amor Lutheran in Battle Lake earned him wide respect from the many people he knew.

Perry loved to travel—whether it was a honeymoon in Steamboat Springs, winter trips to Hawaii, or adventures in Europe and China, he was game to see the world and learn about other cultures. But his greatest joy was time spent “Up North” on his beloved Ottertail Lake. The family’s annual summer trips to a rental cabin on Ottertail evolved into buying a cabin on the lake. When Perry sold the dealership, he and Diane built their dream home on Eldorado Beach Road, where they welcomed countless guests with smiles, stories, and always a delicious spread.

Perry is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Diane; four children: Susan (husband Nick Briones) of Faribault, Tom (wife Peggy) of Kasson, Mark (husband Lee Curry) in London, Heather (partner Kenny Lorenz) of Cannon Falls, his sister-in-law Marilyn Kalass and brother-in-law Paul Kalass of Zumbrota, nine grandchildren; and a growing number of great and great-great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents Philip and Clara Weeks, his sister Joan Larson, his grandson Brandon Karsten and his brothers-in-law David Swee and Ronnie Larson.

Perry will be remembered for his warmth, humour, generosity, and an unwavering love for his family and community.

An evening of friendship will be held on Friday, May 9th at Mahn Funeral Home in Zumbrota from 5:00-7:00pm and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 10th at Lands Lutheran Church in Zumbrota. Service begins at 11:00am with vistitation starting an hour before.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Lands Lutheran Church or Seasons Hospice in Rochester or simply by sharing a scoop of ice cream or a bowl of popcorn with someone you love.