Rafael "Uncle Wile" or "Whistle" Perez, age 68, of Owatonna, formerly of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 17, 1957, in Harlingen, Texas, raised by his mother, Guadalupe (Garcia) and stepfather, Jesus Flores. During his children, the family would travel the United States as the jobs evolved.

Rafael was the definition of a hard worker; he took any challenge, no matter how big, and would be determined to succeed. During his working years, he worked many jobs: construction, farming, crop work, and finally finished his working years by operating his own business of restoring and selling pallets. When Rafael wasn't working, he was still spending time outside and keeping busy; he enjoyed barbequing and was an excellent dancer. His family called him a jokester, always trying to make everyone's day just a bit brighter with his humor. During his life, Rafael found the love for the warm weather, not caring much for winter as he loved living in the warm states of Texas, Florida, Georgia, and finally Oklahoma, where he resided up until most recently.

Rafael is survived by his six children: Macario (Stephanie Ramgren) Guzman, Rafael De La Rosa, Veronica Perez, Olga Perez, Leroy (Stephanie Martinez) De La Rosa, Ronnie (Brian Scurlock) De La Rosa, and his grandson he raised from birth, Orlando Rodriguez; 22 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren: his siblings: Larry Perez, Maria (Manuel) Soto, Cecilia (Jesse) Garza, Mike Munoz, Peter Munox, Juana (Gerardo) Paramo, Hilda (Johnny) Nieves, Apolinar (Anna) Munoz, and Bobby (Elodia) Munoz; his aunt, Susie Deleon; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Silvia; sister and brother-in-law, Rosa Perez and Jose Herrera; sister-in-law, Dora Perez; niece, Daniella Herrera; great-nephew, Brandon Garza; his uncle, Raphael Garcia, Jr.; and his aunts, Elena Zuniga and Elva Saldana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of Mass. Rafael will be laid to rest with his wife, Silvia, at a later date in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.