Waldemar "Waldo" Perez-Lopez, 63, of Arcola, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 12, 2025 at the Indiana University Health Center in Indianapolis, IN surrounded by loved ones.

Waldo was born November 23, 1961 in Guatemala City, Guatemala, the son of Waldemar Perez and Doris (Lopez) Perez.

Waldo graduated from the Instituto Evangelico America Latina. He attended seminary at Seminario Nazareno Mexicano in Mexico City and then Seminario Nazareno de las Americas in Costa Rica, earning a Bachelor of Theology.

He married Damaris (Muñoz) Perez in Guatemala on May 15, 1993. They were married for 32 years, blessed with a family who loved him very much.

Pastor Waldo faithfully served as the pastor of the Iglesia del Nazareno in Arcola, IL for almost 27 years. He also worked as a paraprofessional in the Arcola School District.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Damaris Perez of Arcola; daughters, Annie Perez of Arcola and Eunice (Isaiah) Lowry of Tolono; one granddaughter, Sofia Lowry; sister, Rachel (Dr. Gustavo) Crocker of Shawnee, Kansas; and nieces, Raquel (Ben Parkes) and Elizabeth (Cam Birdsall).

Preceding Waldo in death are his parents, Waldemar Perez and Doris (Lopez) Perez; brother, Jorge Perez; and his beloved grandmother, Zoila Maulhardt.

Waldo was known to greet you with a warm smile and to always be "hunky dory" – because "that was [his] story, and [he was] sticking with it." Waldo's positivity, love and kindness were great in this life. His legacy lives on, a legacy of steadfastness and service in the midst of struggle.

Loved ones, let us rejoice that another Saint has entered his eternal rest. We rejoice that God is good and is near the broken hearted. We rejoice that Waldo is before his loving Lord and is embraced by his wonderful Savior who has forgiven all his sins and will raise up his body once more as an incorruptible and glorified vessel for all eternity. We rejoice that he now sees the face of his God who he served with such joy and dedication. We rejoice that he is now crowned with honors from his God as a good and faithful servant. We rejoice because another wonderful saint has entered his much desired rest.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10 a.m., Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Iglesia del Nazareno - Arcola, 700 East Main Street, Arcola, IL. Graveside Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Sunday at the Arcola Cemetery, Arcola, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Iglesia del Nazareno - Arcola, 700 East Main Street, Arcola, IL.

Shrader Funeral Home, Arcola, IL is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com