Obituary of Dennis Surma

April 11th, 1948 - November 10th, 2023

Dennis Eric Surma. Age 75 of Brownstown.

Beloved husband of Lynda Surma. Father of Brian (Adrienne) Surma, Andrea Surma, and Erica Surma.  Grandfather of Ivy, Gwen, and Theo.

Dennis is survived by his siblings Theresa (James) Donnelly, Charles (Phyllis) Surma, and Gerald Surma.

Dennis was born in Detroit, Michigan to Ann and Charles Surma in 1948.  He was raised in the Delray neighborhood of southwest Detroit where he attended St. John Cantius elementary school and graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in River Rouge in 1966. 

During his childhood Dennis was active in basketball, hockey, football and baseball.  His teammates often included his brothers and many friends from Delray and River Rouge.  Dennis cherished the friendships he formed during his youth and maintained many of these bonds throughout his life.  He and Lynda always looked forward to the social gatherings and trips they were able to take with friends they had known for well over 60 years.

Dennis enlisted in the United States Army in February of 1967.  He was assigned to the Finance Corp and served on active duty in Germany for 3 years.

After being honorably discharged he returned home and married his high school sweetheart Lynda Sharon in 1971.  Together they enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage and raised their three children in Allen Park where he was actively involved in their education and athletics at St. Frances Cabrini Parish.

Utilizing the skills he learned during his Army service, Dennis went on to a productive career in accounting.  He earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1988.  His employers included Little Caesars Corporation and Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America.

Dennis took great joy in watching the growth of his three grandchildren who he showered with love and affection.  He was the perfect Grandpa who could always be counted on for a joke, a hug, or a fishing lesson.

Known as “Uncle Denny” to his nieces and nephew, he loved spending time with their spouses and children.  Uncle Denny and Aunt Lynda were always in the center of the kitchen while hosting holiday gatherings filled with extended family.

Dennis was an avid outdoorsman who navigated the waters and woods of northern Michigan and Ontario fishing for Lake trout and tracking White-tailed deer.  He shot many more deer with his camera than he ever did with a rifle or bow.  Many suspected that he enjoyed the comradery of life-long hunting buddies more than the pursuit of game itself.

Dennis’ love for athletics continued throughout his life and he participated in sports for as long as his health would allow.  He was a notoriously aggressive hockey player and an enthusiastically average golfer and tennis player.  He loved gardening and specialized in growing the most delicious tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.  He excelled at home improvements and could always be relied upon to assist with any plumbing, carpentry, or electrical jobs.  He set a very high standard in this area and was never satisfied until the job was finished to perfection. 

Dennis was first diagnosed with cancer in 2010.  He maintained a robust lifestyle for well over a decade while undergoing treatments to slow the progression of this disease.  He remained positive and cheerful while coping with the fatigue caused by his cancer treatments.

Dennis passed away at home surrounded by loving family members on November 10th, 2023.  He will be loved and fondly remembered always.