Obituary of Raymond Surges MR

Raymond P. Surges "Mr. Fix-It" Age 96, of Joliet, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at Silver Cross Hospital. Born January 30, 1914 on the farm in Bancroft, IA, he was raised in Joliet and spent his entire adult life here. "Poppy" was affectionately known as Mr. Fix-It because of his ability to fix anything from a broken refrigeration unit to a broken heart. He had a love of nature and a respect for life. He and his wife Fern enjoyed many years of fishing at the Coal City Area Club, hunting, bowling, loving their grandchildren, and sharing generations of memories. Raymond was a founding parishioner of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church where he also served as usher and was a member of the Holy Name Society. He was also part of the original 64 men who founded The Holy Trinity Council #4400 of the Knights of Columbus in 1957. Ray retired from Johansen and Anderson Refrigeration and Air Conditioning after 40 years of service. He was also a member of Pipe Fitters Union Local #422 where he was recognized for over 60 years of membership. Survived by his devoted and loving daughter, Sandra Pope of Joliet; his beloved grandchildren, Theresa (Chris) Galounis, Lisa (Rick) Herron, and Raymond (Jillian Wood) Pope; his precious great-grandchildren, Chad, Alex, Christopher, Daniel and Sarah Galounis, and Nicholas, Richard and Nathan Herron; one sister, Gertrude Todd; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded by his wife of 62 years, Fern (nee Pradun) Surges (April 27, 2002); his parents, Joseph and Louise (nee Freis) Surges; his son-in-law, Richard L. Pope; and his siblings, Helen Nemanich, Lawrence Surges, and Edna Horn. Funeral services for Raymond P. Surges will be Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials to St. Mary Magdalene Church or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation Friday from 3-8 at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500