March 16, 2024, former DeKalb, Hyde Park, Chicago, Culver City, California resident, Michael J. Perkovich, 74, passed away in West Covina, California.

Born July 26, 1949 to Betty and Joe Perkovich, Michael grew up in DeKalb. He attended NIU Lab School and graduated from DeKalb High School, 1967. Michael earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in English from Loyola University, Chicago. He earned his PhD in English from University of Illinois, Chicago. His dissertation was published as a book, Nature Boys: Camp Discourse in American Literature from Whitman to Wharton. Michael taught English classes at UIC and DePaul University. Michael was known for his superb wit.

Michael met the love of his life, Ralph, in 1983. They, and other like-minded alcoholics formed a group called “Quad A-AA for Atheists and Agnostics. Proud, recovering drunks, they shared this fact whenever possible. They married in May 2013 when same sex marriage became legal in Illinois.

Michael was predeceased by his father and mother, Joseph and Betty Perkovich, paternal grandparents, John Perkovich, Amanda Dvorak, great uncle and aunt, George and Bertha Zamparos.

Michael is survived by his beloved husband, W. Ralph Johnson, his brother, Steven (Christine) Perkovich, stepson, Nick (Natalie) Johnson, stepdaughter, Leatrice (Andrew) Orem, grandchildren, Louisa Orem, Simon and Greta Johnson, nephew, Joseph Perkovich, nieces, Claire Perkovich and Ellie Mateo. Beloved also is Debbie Bernstein. Michael was cremated. No memorial is planned. Michael loved animals. Contributions can be made in his name to the ASPCA.

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