Tyler D. Perez

Tyler Dixon Perez, age 24, of Rockford, MI was tragically killed in a work-related accident on Saturday, June 28, 2025. He was born April 12, 2001 in Grand Rapids, MI to Anthony and Kristin (Opperman) Perez.

How do you put into words a life this big? Tyler was a 2019 graduate of West Catholic High School. He loved playing soccer and basketball, continuing to play after high school. He had an eclectic taste in music from Frank Sinatra to Hank Williams to Alice In Chains. He could name, sing, and dance to any song that was played. It wasn’t unusual for Tyler to regale everyone around him with impromptu karaoke acts, regardless of where he was, and using whatever he had in his hand as a microphone. He was proud to be the oldest of eight children and loved his siblings unconditionally. He was especially proud to coach Ivan and Nolan’s basketball teams and to be responsible for protecting and toughening up his sisters. His smile and laugh were contagious and uninhibited and could brighten every room. He had a way of making everyone around him feel special. He was always up for a good time, whether it be a day on the boat, line dancing with his family and friends, or simply playing video games with his friends and brothers. Tyler was a shining light that will continue to brighten our lives, even through these dark days.

Tyler is survived by his parents, Anthony and Kristin, siblings, Anna, Kaelynn, Molly, Tia, Haley, Ivan, and Nolan Perez, grandparents Peter and Sharon Perez and Janis and Ivan Opperman and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family will greet friends Wednesday, July 2 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home where a Rosary will be recited at 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday 2:00 pm at Our Lady of Consolation, 4865 11 Mile Road, Rockford. Rev. Fr. Dominic Couturier celebrant and Fr. Tony Russo concelebrant. Interment Courtland Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

An endowed scholarship to be named in honor of Tyler:

Click here for the donation link
Tyler D. Perez Memorial Scholarship
C/O Our Lady of Consolation School
4865 11 Mile Road NE
Rockford, MI 49341

Donations in Memory of Tyler:
Cedar Springs Community Food Pantry
C/O Cedar Springs UMC
PO Box K
Cedar Springs, MI 49319