Obituary of Samuel V. Perez

Samuel Vallejo Perez

With grace, dignity, and surrounded by his loving wife, daughter, and grandson, Samuel Vallejo Perez passed to Heaven on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.  His intense faith and love of family provided Samuel with the power to lead an exemplary and well-lived life. We honor the man and the life example that he set for the myriad of individuals that knew him and whom he befriended. 

Samuel was born on July 4, 1957, in Austin, Texas to Amelia Vallejo Perez and Isabel M. Perez, Jr.  He focused his professional career as an entrepreneur, developing several businesses. 

Sam followed the example of his mother and operated a restaurant, food truck, and later, El Piquin Café and Cantina.  Sam specialized in many foods but was mostly known for excellent tacos.  He could cook anything he attempted and many home cooked meals were enjoyed by family and friends.  Sam was always involved in his children’s school activities and was often found cooking for various educational sponsored festivals or events. 

Samuel enjoyed working as a truck driver and transported for a large farming network in Minnesota.  For the past decade, he performed this work annually but in the past two years, he and Yolanda relocated their residence there.  Sam and Yolanda ventured out on many excursions from Minnesota to see more of “this great and beautiful Country”.  They loved riding their Harley Trik along the U.S. highways and thoroughly enjoyed every trip as a new and exciting adventure. 

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Yolanda Valdez-Perez, daughter, Briana Yvette Perez, and grandson, Nicholas Samuel Greene.  He is also survived by his sister, Adela Marie Perez, and his brothers, Jose Luis Perez, and Victor Matthew Perez.  There is a host of many family and friends who will miss Sam daily.  His absence leaves a great loss and much appreciation for having known him.

He is preceded in death by his son Nicholas Samuel Perez, parents Amelia and Isabel Perez, Jr., and sister Rosie Ann Perez. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions in Samuel’s honor to the American Cancer Society restricted for Hodgkin Lymphoma.  Donations may be made via: 

Telephone:  1-800-227-2345;    Or  

Online:  www.cancer.org and select Donate;    Or 

Mail: 

American Cancer Society

Restricted Donations – Hodgkin Lymphoma

P.O. Box 22718

Oklahoma City OK 73123

Please send donation acknowledgements to: 

C/O Yolanda Valdez-Perez

P. O. Box 145

Georgetown, MN 56546

Public viewing and visitation is 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Mission Funeral Home – Serenity Chapel, at 6204 South 1^st Street.  Private rosary for family is Saturday, May 22, 2021, and it will be streamed live on Mission Funeral Home’s Facebook page at 12:30 p.m. Please follow the link to Mission Funeral Home Serenity Facebook Page

Special thanks to the Villasenor Family of Mission Funeral Home and their outstanding staff.  Much gratitude to the phenomenal medical teams, consisting of physicians and staff, in both Austin, Texas and Fargo, North Dakota.  Heartfelt appreciation to the many extended family and friends for their love, kindness, and support given to our family during this most difficult time.  Our family finds comfort knowing that Sam is no longer in pain and walking the Streets of Heaven with his son.  Rest in Heaven and in Peace, our dear Sam. 

Due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

We politely request the continued use of face coverings in an effort to

help protect our community.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.