He was born on December 20, 1911 in Cook, MN to Adolph and Anna (Aho) Pernu. 

 

On July 20, 1942, he married Dorothy Viola Mattson in Ely, MN, and they first made their home in the Britt area, and then moved to Mt Iron, Mud Lake, Parkville, and Virginia; and he became a resident of Virginia Convalescent Center in 2004.

 

Sydney worked for various mining companies and worked the last 36 years of his employment for U.S. Steel. In his early years, he was a bus driver and was also known for his avid sense of humor, namely his use of “doubletalk”.

 

Sydney is survived  by two daughters; Peggy (Mike) Salo, Lake Vermillion, and Juanita (Jerry) Richard, McGregor; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great-grandchildren; one sister, Avis Haryn, Virginia; three brothers-in-law, Clarence (MaryAnn) Mattson, Virginia, James (BetteRae) Mattson, Iron, and Wilbert (Carole) Mattson, Ely Lake; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dorothy; a son, Sydney Jr. “Boyu”, and 17siblings,.

 

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 4th at 9 a.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, with a service following at 10 a.m.Pastor Lisa Buchanan will officiate. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Range Funeral Home in Virginia.