William Kenneth Surfus, 75, Manitowoc, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center with his beloved wife at his side.
Bill was born on June 27, 1939, to the late Kenneth and Lila (Kaminski) Surfus in Two Rivers. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1957. Bill continued his education at Manitowoc County Teachers College and obtained his degree in Education at Lakeland College in 1972. On August 8, 1970, he was united in marriage to Ellen Mae Lorfeld at St. James United Church of Christ in Spring Valley.
From 1962-1978 Bill taught 6th grade at Valders Public Schools. He instilled in his students a love of nature and trees with tree planting excursions. Bill’s love of trees and wood-working led him into a second career of carpentry, building and wood–working projects. Through the years he had varied interests: making maple syrup in the spring, selling Christmas trees, building his own saw mill, restoring old cars and tractors, deer hunting, cooking and going to his cabin, which he built, in Clam Lake. He accomplished his dream when he purchased thirty acres of woods in 1964 and had great joy planting trees, digging a pond and developing it into a beautiful home site and area. Recently he finished something he always wanted to do – putting an 8 cylinder engine into an 8N Ford tractor. Bill always said at age 18 that the Good Lord helped him discover the talent of playing the organ. He entertained many people through the years.
At any gathering, Bill could add humor with his many jokes. He had a great desire and got much satisfaction out of helping people. Bill gave lumber to someone who lost their garage in a storm and donated wood items to fundraisers for people in need. If someone asked for a certain item or came with a problem, he worked on it until he found the answer. Bill loved people and they loved him. There seldom was a place where he didn’t know someone or if it was a stranger he would strike up a conversation. When Bill met his former students, he could tell exactly which seat and row they sat in.
He was a member of: the National Horseless Carriage Club of America, the Horseless Carriage Club - Fox Valley Region; Manitowoc Organ Society, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and former member of the Lakeshore Two Cylinder Club.
Bill is survived by his wife, Ellen Mae; two sisters and brothers in-law, Kathryn (Surfus) and Terence Kilroy, Manitowoc; Joanne (Surfus) and Clarence Suchy, Wichita, KS; sisters and brothers in-law, Mary Ellen (Lorfeld) Schnelle, Cleveland; Virginia (Lorfeld) and Milton Braun, Sheboygan Falls, Merle (Brandel) Surfus, Manitowoc. He is also survived by a special uncle, Mark Surfus, Manitowoc; a special cousin and wife, Richard (Loretta) Kaminski, Ph. D., Starkville, MS; and his special fishing buddies: Bobby Lutze, Kermit Lierman (deceased), Dale Bergene, Dennis Brunner, John Mecha, Gary McCreery, Chris and Ryan Pieper.
He is further survived by very special nieces, nephews and in-laws: Sue (Seifert) and Ken Sell, Janice (Seifert) and Fred Reindl, Nancy (Seifert) and Tom Nye, Steve and Debbie Lorfeld, David Lorfeld, Craig and Marge Lorfeld, Linda Lorfeld, Daniel Braun, Gerald and Doris Schnelle, Joel and Chris Schnelle, Jack and Wendy Schnelle, Gene and Sarah Schnelle, Jay and Dawn Schnelle, Julie (Schnelle) and Jon Hermann, Christi Surfus, Vicki (Surfus) and Jeff Raymond, Tom Surfus, Josie (Surfus) and Jim Moore, Jamie (Surfus) and Jeff Lewiston, Peg (Surfus) and Brian Vater, Tammy (Surfus) and Matt Doran, Mike and Karen Surfus, Nancy (Surfus) and Dave Westphal, Jon and Jill Surfus, Rebecca (Suchy) and Aaron Frazier, and Tiffany (Suchy) Hoover. In addition, other cousins and special friends survive.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lila Surfus; his brother, James Surfus; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lloyd Schnelle, Donald and Mary Lorfeld, Melven and Violet (Lorfeld) Seifert, and a niece, Lisa (Suchy) Ogbodo.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand – 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier. A committal service led by Rev. William Kesting will take place at 4 p.m. on Monday at St. James United Church of Christ Cemetery, 13312 Pioneer Road, Newton (Spring Valley). The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The visitation will continue on Monday at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Nurses and Aides at Silver Lake Court and New Horizons wings of the Manitowoc Health Care and Rehabilitation Center for all their care, kindness and compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Gary Schmidt and his staff for their visits, care and concern.
Ellen would like to thank the many dear relatives and friends who visited Bill faithfully, for their prayers and special gifts including his favorite foods. He appreciated it all. Bill was a loving husband, brother, uncle, brother in-law and a very giving friend to all. He will be sadly missed.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter from Apr. 23 to Apr. 26, 2015
Bill was born on June 27, 1939, to the late Kenneth and Lila (Kaminski) Surfus in Two Rivers. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1957. Bill continued his education at Manitowoc County Teachers College and obtained his degree in Education at Lakeland College in 1972. On August 8, 1970, he was united in marriage to Ellen Mae Lorfeld at St. James United Church of Christ in Spring Valley.
From 1962-1978 Bill taught 6th grade at Valders Public Schools. He instilled in his students a love of nature and trees with tree planting excursions. Bill’s love of trees and wood-working led him into a second career of carpentry, building and wood–working projects. Through the years he had varied interests: making maple syrup in the spring, selling Christmas trees, building his own saw mill, restoring old cars and tractors, deer hunting, cooking and going to his cabin, which he built, in Clam Lake. He accomplished his dream when he purchased thirty acres of woods in 1964 and had great joy planting trees, digging a pond and developing it into a beautiful home site and area. Recently he finished something he always wanted to do – putting an 8 cylinder engine into an 8N Ford tractor. Bill always said at age 18 that the Good Lord helped him discover the talent of playing the organ. He entertained many people through the years.
At any gathering, Bill could add humor with his many jokes. He had a great desire and got much satisfaction out of helping people. Bill gave lumber to someone who lost their garage in a storm and donated wood items to fundraisers for people in need. If someone asked for a certain item or came with a problem, he worked on it until he found the answer. Bill loved people and they loved him. There seldom was a place where he didn’t know someone or if it was a stranger he would strike up a conversation. When Bill met his former students, he could tell exactly which seat and row they sat in.
He was a member of: the National Horseless Carriage Club of America, the Horseless Carriage Club - Fox Valley Region; Manitowoc Organ Society, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and former member of the Lakeshore Two Cylinder Club.
Bill is survived by his wife, Ellen Mae; two sisters and brothers in-law, Kathryn (Surfus) and Terence Kilroy, Manitowoc; Joanne (Surfus) and Clarence Suchy, Wichita, KS; sisters and brothers in-law, Mary Ellen (Lorfeld) Schnelle, Cleveland; Virginia (Lorfeld) and Milton Braun, Sheboygan Falls, Merle (Brandel) Surfus, Manitowoc. He is also survived by a special uncle, Mark Surfus, Manitowoc; a special cousin and wife, Richard (Loretta) Kaminski, Ph. D., Starkville, MS; and his special fishing buddies: Bobby Lutze, Kermit Lierman (deceased), Dale Bergene, Dennis Brunner, John Mecha, Gary McCreery, Chris and Ryan Pieper.
He is further survived by very special nieces, nephews and in-laws: Sue (Seifert) and Ken Sell, Janice (Seifert) and Fred Reindl, Nancy (Seifert) and Tom Nye, Steve and Debbie Lorfeld, David Lorfeld, Craig and Marge Lorfeld, Linda Lorfeld, Daniel Braun, Gerald and Doris Schnelle, Joel and Chris Schnelle, Jack and Wendy Schnelle, Gene and Sarah Schnelle, Jay and Dawn Schnelle, Julie (Schnelle) and Jon Hermann, Christi Surfus, Vicki (Surfus) and Jeff Raymond, Tom Surfus, Josie (Surfus) and Jim Moore, Jamie (Surfus) and Jeff Lewiston, Peg (Surfus) and Brian Vater, Tammy (Surfus) and Matt Doran, Mike and Karen Surfus, Nancy (Surfus) and Dave Westphal, Jon and Jill Surfus, Rebecca (Suchy) and Aaron Frazier, and Tiffany (Suchy) Hoover. In addition, other cousins and special friends survive.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lila Surfus; his brother, James Surfus; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lloyd Schnelle, Donald and Mary Lorfeld, Melven and Violet (Lorfeld) Seifert, and a niece, Lisa (Suchy) Ogbodo.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand – 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier. A committal service led by Rev. William Kesting will take place at 4 p.m. on Monday at St. James United Church of Christ Cemetery, 13312 Pioneer Road, Newton (Spring Valley). The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The visitation will continue on Monday at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Nurses and Aides at Silver Lake Court and New Horizons wings of the Manitowoc Health Care and Rehabilitation Center for all their care, kindness and compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Gary Schmidt and his staff for their visits, care and concern.
Ellen would like to thank the many dear relatives and friends who visited Bill faithfully, for their prayers and special gifts including his favorite foods. He appreciated it all. Bill was a loving husband, brother, uncle, brother in-law and a very giving friend to all. He will be sadly missed.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter from Apr. 23 to Apr. 26, 2015
William Kenneth Surfus, 75, Manitowoc, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center with his beloved wife at his side.
Bill was born on June 27, 1939, to the late Kenneth and Lila (Kaminski) Surfus in Two Rivers. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1957. Bill continued his education at Manitowoc County Teachers College and obtained his degree in Education at Lakeland College in 1972. On August 8, 1970, he was united in marriage to Ellen Mae Lorfeld at St. James United Church of Christ in Spring Valley.
From 1962-1978 Bill taught 6th grade at Valders Public Schools. He instilled in his students a love of nature and trees with tree planting excursions. Bill’s love of trees and wood-working led him into a second career of carpentry, building and wood–working projects. Through the years he had varied interests: making maple syrup in the spring, selling Christmas trees, building his own saw mill, restoring old cars and tractors, deer hunting, cooking and going to his cabin, which he built, in Clam Lake. He accomplished his dream when he purchased thirty acres of woods in 1964 and had great joy planting trees, digging a pond and developing it into a beautiful home site and area. Recently he finished something he always wanted to do – putting an 8 cylinder engine into an 8N Ford tractor. Bill always said at age 18 that the Good Lord helped him discover the talent of playing the organ. He entertained many people through the years.
At any gathering, Bill could add humor with his many jokes. He had a great desire and got much satisfaction out of helping people. Bill gave lumber to someone who lost their garage in a storm and donated wood items to fundraisers for people in need. If someone asked for a certain item or came with a problem, he worked on it until he found the answer. Bill loved people and they loved him. There seldom was a place where he didn’t know someone or if it was a stranger he would strike up a conversation. When Bill met his former students, he could tell exactly which seat and row they sat in.
He was a member of: the National Horseless Carriage Club of America, the Horseless Carriage Club - Fox Valley Region; Manitowoc Organ Society, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and former member of the Lakeshore Two Cylinder Club.
Bill is survived by his wife, Ellen Mae; two sisters and brothers in-law, Kathryn (Surfus) and Terence Kilroy, Manitowoc; Joanne (Surfus) and Clarence Suchy, Wichita, KS; sisters and brothers in-law, Mary Ellen (Lorfeld) Schnelle, Cleveland; Virginia (Lorfeld) and Milton Braun, Sheboygan Falls, Merle (Brandel) Surfus, Manitowoc. He is also survived by a special uncle, Mark Surfus, Manitowoc; a special cousin and wife, Richard (Loretta) Kaminski, Ph. D., Starkville, MS; and his special fishing buddies: Bobby Lutze, Kermit Lierman (deceased), Dale Bergene, Dennis Brunner, John Mecha, Gary McCreery, Chris and Ryan Pieper.
He is further survived by very special nieces, nephews and in-laws: Sue (Seifert) and Ken Sell, Janice (Seifert) and Fred Reindl, Nancy (Seifert) and Tom Nye, Steve and Debbie Lorfeld, David Lorfeld, Craig and Marge Lorfeld, Linda Lorfeld, Daniel Braun, Gerald and Doris Schnelle, Joel and Chris Schnelle, Jack and Wendy Schnelle, Gene and Sarah Schnelle, Jay and Dawn Schnelle, Julie (Schnelle) and Jon Hermann, Christi Surfus, Vicki (Surfus) and Jeff Raymond, Tom Surfus, Josie (Surfus) and Jim Moore, Jamie (Surfus) and Jeff Lewiston, Peg (Surfus) and Brian Vater, Tammy (Surfus) and Matt Doran, Mike and Karen Surfus, Nancy (Surfus) and Dave Westphal, Jon and Jill Surfus, Rebecca (Suchy) and Aaron Frazier, and Tiffany (Suchy) Hoover. In addition, other cousins and special friends survive.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lila Surfus; his brother, James Surfus; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lloyd Schnelle, Donald and Mary Lorfeld, Melven and Violet (Lorfeld) Seifert, and a niece, Lisa (Suchy) Ogbodo.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand – 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier. A committal service led by Rev. William Kesting will take place at 4 p.m. on Monday at St. James United Church of Christ Cemetery, 13312 Pioneer Road, Newton (Spring Valley). The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The visitation will continue on Monday at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Nurses and Aides at Silver Lake Court and New Horizons wings of the Manitowoc Health Care and Rehabilitation Center for all their care, kindness and compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Gary Schmidt and his staff for their visits, care and concern.
Ellen would like to thank the many dear relatives and friends who visited Bill faithfully, for their prayers and special gifts including his favorite foods. He appreciated it all. Bill was a loving husband, brother, uncle, brother in-law and a very giving friend to all. He will be sadly missed.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter from Apr. 23 to Apr. 26, 2015
Bill was born on June 27, 1939, to the late Kenneth and Lila (Kaminski) Surfus in Two Rivers. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1957. Bill continued his education at Manitowoc County Teachers College and obtained his degree in Education at Lakeland College in 1972. On August 8, 1970, he was united in marriage to Ellen Mae Lorfeld at St. James United Church of Christ in Spring Valley.
From 1962-1978 Bill taught 6th grade at Valders Public Schools. He instilled in his students a love of nature and trees with tree planting excursions. Bill’s love of trees and wood-working led him into a second career of carpentry, building and wood–working projects. Through the years he had varied interests: making maple syrup in the spring, selling Christmas trees, building his own saw mill, restoring old cars and tractors, deer hunting, cooking and going to his cabin, which he built, in Clam Lake. He accomplished his dream when he purchased thirty acres of woods in 1964 and had great joy planting trees, digging a pond and developing it into a beautiful home site and area. Recently he finished something he always wanted to do – putting an 8 cylinder engine into an 8N Ford tractor. Bill always said at age 18 that the Good Lord helped him discover the talent of playing the organ. He entertained many people through the years.
At any gathering, Bill could add humor with his many jokes. He had a great desire and got much satisfaction out of helping people. Bill gave lumber to someone who lost their garage in a storm and donated wood items to fundraisers for people in need. If someone asked for a certain item or came with a problem, he worked on it until he found the answer. Bill loved people and they loved him. There seldom was a place where he didn’t know someone or if it was a stranger he would strike up a conversation. When Bill met his former students, he could tell exactly which seat and row they sat in.
He was a member of: the National Horseless Carriage Club of America, the Horseless Carriage Club - Fox Valley Region; Manitowoc Organ Society, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and former member of the Lakeshore Two Cylinder Club.
Bill is survived by his wife, Ellen Mae; two sisters and brothers in-law, Kathryn (Surfus) and Terence Kilroy, Manitowoc; Joanne (Surfus) and Clarence Suchy, Wichita, KS; sisters and brothers in-law, Mary Ellen (Lorfeld) Schnelle, Cleveland; Virginia (Lorfeld) and Milton Braun, Sheboygan Falls, Merle (Brandel) Surfus, Manitowoc. He is also survived by a special uncle, Mark Surfus, Manitowoc; a special cousin and wife, Richard (Loretta) Kaminski, Ph. D., Starkville, MS; and his special fishing buddies: Bobby Lutze, Kermit Lierman (deceased), Dale Bergene, Dennis Brunner, John Mecha, Gary McCreery, Chris and Ryan Pieper.
He is further survived by very special nieces, nephews and in-laws: Sue (Seifert) and Ken Sell, Janice (Seifert) and Fred Reindl, Nancy (Seifert) and Tom Nye, Steve and Debbie Lorfeld, David Lorfeld, Craig and Marge Lorfeld, Linda Lorfeld, Daniel Braun, Gerald and Doris Schnelle, Joel and Chris Schnelle, Jack and Wendy Schnelle, Gene and Sarah Schnelle, Jay and Dawn Schnelle, Julie (Schnelle) and Jon Hermann, Christi Surfus, Vicki (Surfus) and Jeff Raymond, Tom Surfus, Josie (Surfus) and Jim Moore, Jamie (Surfus) and Jeff Lewiston, Peg (Surfus) and Brian Vater, Tammy (Surfus) and Matt Doran, Mike and Karen Surfus, Nancy (Surfus) and Dave Westphal, Jon and Jill Surfus, Rebecca (Suchy) and Aaron Frazier, and Tiffany (Suchy) Hoover. In addition, other cousins and special friends survive.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lila Surfus; his brother, James Surfus; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lloyd Schnelle, Donald and Mary Lorfeld, Melven and Violet (Lorfeld) Seifert, and a niece, Lisa (Suchy) Ogbodo.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand – 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier. A committal service led by Rev. William Kesting will take place at 4 p.m. on Monday at St. James United Church of Christ Cemetery, 13312 Pioneer Road, Newton (Spring Valley). The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The visitation will continue on Monday at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Nurses and Aides at Silver Lake Court and New Horizons wings of the Manitowoc Health Care and Rehabilitation Center for all their care, kindness and compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Gary Schmidt and his staff for their visits, care and concern.
Ellen would like to thank the many dear relatives and friends who visited Bill faithfully, for their prayers and special gifts including his favorite foods. He appreciated it all. Bill was a loving husband, brother, uncle, brother in-law and a very giving friend to all. He will be sadly missed.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter from Apr. 23 to Apr. 26, 2015
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