Margaret "Greta" Anne Perl

When King George VI was taken ill, the then Princess Elizabeth stood in for him on the first of many tours of Canada. On a visit to Winnipeg in 1951, the Princess was met by an enthusiastic crowd including 12-year-old Margaret Ripfl. Margaret’s parents had emigrated from Austria to Winnipeg between the wars, but following the death of her father, Matthew in 1952, Margaret, known to friends and family as Greta, moved to Medford, Oregon with her mother and sisters to be near family.

After graduating from Medford High School in 1957 with Honors, Greta married William (Bill) Perl Jr and began to travel widely. They first moved to San Francisco, California where she attended the San Francisco Art Institute and where their son Billy arrived in 1961. By 1963, Bill was in active duty in the US Air Force and they were stationed in Germany where Frederick was born. A further transfer in 1967 resulted in a move to Sacramento, California and the birth of their daughter, Pamela.

The life of an Air Force officer’s wife was one of constant moves and challenges.  In 1970, Hawaii would follow where Greta volunteered as a dental assistant for the Red Cross and continued her love of art by painting scenes of the Pacific Ocean. Whilst in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Greta took classes at the University of Wyoming and learned to ride horses along with her children where they rode in the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days Grand Parade.  Greta volunteered at the F.E. Warren AFB Museum as a tour guide and was active in the PTA.

Following Bill’s retirement from the military in 1979, the family moved to Lakeside, Oregon. Greta attended Southwestern Oregon Community College and obtained her board Med Aide certification before taking up a role at Life Care Center. During her 15-year nursing career, Greta received several commendations and appreciation letters from families that she had cared for. Greta had a brilliant smile and was loved by all!

Alongside art, design and fashion, Greta loved playing the piano, sewing and spending time with her family. Her love of music included Classical, John Denver, Willie Nelson and Simon & Garfunkel. Greta was a faithful Christian who sang in the church choir at the Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church.

Greta’s passing was preceded by her beloved husband, Bill. She is remembered by her sisters, Rosalinde Burgess and Hedy Andersch; her eldest son, William along with his wife Natalia and children Nicholas and Marcella of Vancouver, WA; her son, Frederick, wife Sandi and their son Carson of Bend, Oregon; and daughter, Pamela, her husband Jeremy and daughter, Isabelle, of London, England.

We love you mother. May you rest in peace.

 A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September, 13, 2025 at 1.00pm at the Coos Bay Chapel, 685 Anderson Avenue in Coos Bay, Oregon with Pastors, Bill and Isabelle Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park 63060 Millington Frontage Road Coos Bay, Oregon. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the South Coast Hospice Center, 1620 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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