John Martin Percevich Jr. 79, of Deadwood died on May 26, 2015 at the Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital with his family by his side.

John was born in Deadwood, SD on August 31st, 1935 to John and Leatha Percevich. He was raised on the family ranch in Englewood with his sister, Barbara. John attended grade school in Englewood, transferred to St Patrick Catholic School, before graduating from Lead High School in 1953.

John enlisted in the US Navy at age 17, and was stationed in San Diego. He was assigned to the U.S.S Talladega, for the next 3 1/2 years. He spent most of his military service in Korea and Japan; with cruises in the Pacific during the Korean War. He was discharged in 1956 and returned to Lead. John was proud to serve his Country and to be an American.

After John returned to Lead, he began working for Northern Pacific Railroad. In May of 1957, he met his future wife Helen Blaschko from Le Center, MN. In October of 1957, John and Helen were married and have spent the last 58 years in a loving marriage.

John graduated from Black Hills State University in 1961 with degrees in elementary and secondary education. He taught 5th grade science, math and 6th grade social studies in Lead. During this time he also served twelve years on the school board. He was the assistant wrestling coach from 1968-1972. The AAU wrestling program was founded by John and several other individuals.

In the early 1960's Sherman Teigen and John built the Alpine Drive-In. It was one of the first full service drive-in's around the Black Hills. He went on to own and operate several local businesses including the Spearfish Ready Mix, Black Hills Marine and Sport, Suntana and Pactola Pines Marina.

After retiring in 2001, he devoted most of his time to his family and friends. He loved the game of golf, enjoyed traveling and supporting the endeavors of his family members. John was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Helen (Blaschko) Percevich; sister, Barbara Rousseau; sons, Steve Percevich, Greg (Shannon) Percevich, Mike (Diane) Percevich; daughter, Jonna Percevich; son-in-law, Kurt Rantapaa; grandchildren, Jenna, Tassy, and Jett Rantapaa, Tyler, Cody, and Dannica Percevich, Jillian (Jason) McLaughlin, Derek (Robin) Lucero, Kim (Pete) Doll, Charlie Hanel, Spencer (Jessica) Erickson, and Tyler Erickson; great-grandchildren, Dominic, Mya, Parker, Tanner, Riley, Teegan, Jax, Blaine, Tucker, and Taylon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leatha Percevich; a baby brother; and daughter, Jolene (Percevich) Rantapaa.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday, May 29, 2015 at St Patrick Catholic Church in Lead with the Vigil following at 7PM. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the church. Inurnment will take place at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 1, 2015 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Lead-Deadwood AAU Wrestling Association.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead.