Norman Perl Obituary (1925 - 2021)

Norman Perl, age 96, of Minneapolis, MN, Palm Beach, & Naples, FL died on November 29, 2021. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Adeline (Addie Wilensky) Perl; his parents, Sarah and Alex Perl; his brother, Martin, his in-laws, Vera and Joe Wilensky, and his son-in-law, Michael Sokol. He is loved and remembered by his 4 children, Robbie Perl (Richard Garon), Stacy Sokol, Justin Perl (Lynn), and Lisa Ratner (Mark); his 7 grandchildren, Joshua Sokol (Kayleen), Amy Erickson (Chris), Alexandra and Phillip Perl, Laura, Joel, and Jacob Ratner; and his 6 great grandchildren, Olivia, Audrey, Ellie, and Delilah Sokol and Evan and Eli Erickson. Norm believed that unconditional caring for his family was of utmost importance. He devoted his life to his greatest joys: his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Norm’s greatest pleasure was seeing his family together, happy, and growing. His priority was to build a home filled with love, where each person’s strengths were encouraged, and where individuality was fostered through educational experiences and travel. Every professional path that Norm embarked upon was guided by his primary desire to provide for his family and to create a lasting legacy for their benefit. Norm married Addie in 1946, while stationed in the army at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In 1949, Norman graduated from law school at the University of Minnesota. In 1971, he was elected as Fellow on the Board of Directors for the International Society of Barristers. In 1976, Norm was elected as Fellow for the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. In 1977, he was elected as a Diplomat for the American Board of Trial Advocates. He also served as President for the Minnesota Trial Lawyers. He was a partner of Nemerov & Perl and also DeParq, Anderson, and Perl. During his 50 plus years practicing law, Norm was a trial lawyer who specialized in personal injury cases across the United States. He appeared before the Legislature and the Minnesota Supreme Court many times. He made historic changes in laws including raising the cap on wrongful death awards and championing the inclusion of a woman’s right to compensation for loss of consortium. Norm’s service to the Jewish community was paramount. From 1962-1964, Norm was the Chairman of the Board at Bnai Emet Synagogue & served as its President from 1972-1975. Norm was also a member of Temple Emanuel Synagogue in Palm Beach. Norm & Addie believed in charitable giving and in passing on that heritage to their future generations. Their goal was to make a difference, both in homes of their loved ones and within their community, meant to last from generation to generation. They provided scholarships to children who could not afford to go to Jewish summer camp, contributed to the Talmud Torah scholarship fund, the Sholom Foundation, Hadassah, the Legal Aid Society, Mayo Clinic, and, to honor his wife’s memory, the Perl Family Fund of the Adath Jeshurun Foundation to provide assistance to congregants to further their Jewish education. Norm often quoted, sometimes in song, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” This is the way he wants family and friends to remember him - - smiling, while living and enjoying life, his way. He found great pleasure in being with his family, playing bridge, fishing, traveling, reading and eating a good meal. On Thanksgiving he reminded all those seated around his table how proud and thankful he was to live in this world. Norm’s generosity, zest for life, endless love of family, friends, and his community will long be remembered. Memorials preferred to: Addie and Norman Perl Family Fund at the Sholom Home Foundation, 3610 Phillips Parkway, St. Louis Park, MN 55426; Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, 111 N. Fifth Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis MN 55403, mylegalaid.org, and Mayo Clinic Foundation, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (or the donor’s choice). Zoom funeral service 11:00 am, THURSDAY, December 2nd. For the Zoom link send an email to zoom5@hodroffepstein.com. SHIVA Thursday 7:00 pm