Robert A. Surma

Age: 90

April 9, 1931 – February 25, 2022

Robert A. Surma, 90, died on February 25 ^th at Quiet Oaks Hospice. Funeral services will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, March 12 ^th at Christ Church Newman Center, St. Cloud. Visitation will be held at the church starting at 11:00 AM, with lunch following at 1:00 PM.

Bob was born April 9, 1931 in Bowlus, MN . His parents were Mary (Swintek) and Stanley Surma. He graduated from Royalton High School, attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and finished his engineering studies at the University of Minnesota. He and his brothers then started Surma Brothers Construction which became Tri City Paving.

He married Iris Korll in 1954. They raised a family of six children in St. Cloud.

Growing up in Bowlus, he loved exploring along the Two Rivers. Bob later fished and trapped from Two Rivers down to the Mississippi.  His appreciation for nature and love of the outdoors continued the rest of his life. In Florida he enjoyed boating on the intercoastal waterways whether on a rubber raft or on the “Cloudy.”

Bob was known for his great sense of humor, and adventurous traveling. He was a generous host and welcomed family and friends wherever he was. His career as a road contractor led him to believe that a road closed sign or a locked gate is oftentimes merely a suggestion, little impediment to the adventure that was ahead. This belief was not limited to roads.

He loved winters in Florida and summers at the cabin. He also enjoyed golfing every Friday afternoon for many years with his close friends at area courses.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Sr. and Mary; four brothers, Merrence, Del, Mark and Stanley Jr.; son Lee; and son-in-law Brad Dale.

He is survived by Iris, his wife of 67 years; children Greg, Jane Dale, Michael (Jolinda), Julie (John Davis), Jill (John Marthaler); grandchildren Angela (Jason) Potts, Michael Dale, Benjamin Surma, Amanda Surma, Tori Surma, Isaac Surma, Sophi (Grayson) Christian, Jack Davis, Liza Davis (Chris Nootenboom); great-grandchildren Lila and Avery Potts, and Rosalie Surma.

As there will be many senior and Covid vulnerable individuals in attendance, proper virus precautions are expected at the visitation, funeral, and dinner. Recent testing would be greatly appreciated.

The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice, RN Lori Flint, and Quiet Oaks Hospice for their loving care and support during Bob’s last days.

Schedule and Information

Funeral services will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, March 12 ^th at Christ Church Newman Center, St. Cloud. Visitation will be held at the church starting at 11:00 AM, with lunch following at 1:00 PM.

Memorial Live Stream

The church will livestream the service.

Please go to www.facebook.com/scsunewman/

Memorials

The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice, RN Lori Flint, and Quiet Oaks Hospice for their loving care and support during Bob’s last days.

Visitation and Service Details

Funeral services will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, March 12 ^th at Christ Church Newman Center, St. Cloud. Visitation will be held at the church starting at 11:00 AM, with lunch following at 1:00 PM.

Visitation and Service Location

Christ Church Newman Center

396 1st Ave South

Saint Cloud, MN 56301

Visitation and Service Map