Perry Lee Redeker

Our hearts are broken, but rejoice that Perry Lee Redeker, 67, rejoined his Lord & Savior on Sunday, July 20th, 2025. Loving son of Leonard J. & Almira M. (Umnus) Redeker, he was born on February 7th, 1958, in Marshfield, WI.

Perry was blessed to marry his best friend and love of his life, Ruth Mroczenski, on September 15th, 1990, at Grace UCC in Wausau. Their marriage was built on God, unwavering support and shared adventures, creating countless cherished memories together.

He graduated from Wausau West with honors in 1976. While in high school, he delivered pizza for Angelo's Pizza, Wausau. He later worked for Rosemurgy Motors and M&J Sports while attending NTC, receiving his associate's degree in Automotive Technology. Perry then worked as the machine shop manager at Northern Auto Supply in Wausau, as well as shop manager at Able Metallic Services in Wausau, specializing in electrochemical metallizing in aerospace and high-tech applications. He was also so a graduate of Dana Corporation School of Advanced Design Service.

While at NTC, he also started Spectator Racing at State Park Speedway, then Circle Track Racing, racing as many as four different tracks in a week, including State Park Speedway, Capitol Raceway, Wisconsin Dells Raceway, Norway, MI, & LaCrosse. Perry brought joy to many with his love for speed, showcasing his remarkable talents behind the wheel & building his own engines. Race car #11 (watch for that number in your daily lives).

Perry & Ruthie became involved in drag racing on ice at the Merrill Ice Drags, where they drove the same car, a 65' Mustang "Nitemare II" each in different classes, winning LOTS of championships & he infamously did a "Wheelie at the Finish Line at 131 mph!" https://youtu.be/MfdUuXIEfhI (view on YouTube).  Also, "They use a LAKE as a DRAG STRIP!" https://youtu.be/1B2mWALaU0Q?si=JZcKZRVubt14KNW7 

Perry was the owner/operator of RPM Racing Engines since 1995, while also a service rep & technical trainer for Master Technicians, teaching across the U.S. for Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP Inc), Wausau, then back to full-time at RPM where he excelled at building engines, whatever a customer could dream of power-wise for street, drag, circle-track, truck-pulling, tractors, or building custom tools and accessories. He was also an adjunct teacher for NTC.

Perry was a gifted individual whose MANY self-taught talents spanned beyond automotive mechanics. There virtually wasn't anything he couldn't figure out, learning by doing. He was not only a METICULOUS skilled engine builder who freely shared his knowledge with anyone fortunate enough to cross his path but when they walked through the RPM door, became lifelong friends, not only being their engine builder, but also a confidant, counselor, and Brother in Christ. A fierce competitor, but always a gentleman.

Perry was the epitome of just a darn, great guy! With good looks, brilliant mind, warm, caring and a beautiful heart, mind, and soul to match. He unselfishly gave time, talent & resources, willing to help anyone in need, always thinking of others before himself. A person you could count on when the chips were down. In 1988 was given an award for saving 2 brothers lives after they crashed their speed boat into the Snake Bridge, Wausau.

His quick wit, beautiful smile, sparkling eyes & calm, easy manner (with a touch of mischievousness like his Daddy), could light up any room!

Preceding him in death are his parents, Aunt Elsie Umnus, Uncle & Godfather Gerhard "Doc" & June (Telschow) Umnus, Aunt Marie (Sazama) Umnus.

Survivors include his loving wife, Ruthie Redeker, sister-in-law Doris Heier, brothers-in-law, Edwin & Grace Mroczenski, Earl & Ann Mroczenski. Godmother, Carol Smith, and nieces and nephews.

Also, lifelong friends Todd and Amy, Bruce and Bev, Rodney, Dave and Brenda, Tom and Diane, Mike G, Jeff and Delta, Rich and Rochelle, Mary and Kirk, Mike & Lorna, JW, Bill, Wade, Rosco, Chad & Jen, Leon and Susan, Samantha, Dale, DuWayne, Jeff, Stan and Daniel, and BRP Family among many others!

A huge thank you to the St. Mark's Church Family, especially Rev. Eric & Rev. Gary & Nan Schultz, Brian and Sandy, John and Rita, Duane & Carol.

A Celebration of Life of Perry's life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive Wausau, WI. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 4:00 PM. A meal will follow the service to share more stories of Perry's wonderful life. Perry will be laid to rest at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in the town of Poniatowski at a later date. 

Please wear your favorite "RPM Racing Engines" shirt or other racing apparel if you wish and good memories to be shared at the meal.

This earth has lost one of its brightest lights, but we will "See You Again"!

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship in Perry's name will be established at NTC Wausau at a later date.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.ascendweston.org.