Perry Lueders

Perry H. Lueders, 80, died Aug. 13, 2018, in Edina.

He was born April 26, 1938, in Canby to Herbert and Agnes (Galland-Steele) Lueders. Perry studied at Concordia University and earning his BFA from UMD in psychology and speech/theatre. After receiving his MFA in theatre from Tulane University, he taught and directed main stage commercial comedies at Xavier University, and held the position of theatre director at Loyola and University of West Virginia. In Canby, Perry raised beautiful Arabian horses and prize Nubian goats. He taught at Southwest State for 30 years and left Professor Emeritus. Perry founded Canby Community Players in 1974 and spent many of his summers and free time directing and bringing live community theater to Lake Benton, the Canby Theaters, Brookings, and other rural venues, often filling his horse trailers with the necessary scenery, costumes, lighting and props. Perry’s favorite productions included “Steel Magnolias” and “Driving Miss Daisy.” Ephemera from these shows and more can be found at the Lyon County Historical Society. Perry joined the Peace Corps and taught English in Manila, Philippines. He worked at St. Catherine University in the Learning Center from 2001-2018. Perry always enjoyed the arts — operas, theater, movies, classical music, the study and writing of scripts, plays, and stories. He also worked as an actor and producer in numerous independent films in MN. In recent years, much of his energy went to the Screenwriters’ Workshop, where he served on the board until his passing. Perry was a playwright and screenwriter who was proud to represent the experience of gay men.

He is survived by his family and friends.