In memory of Wayne Surch...

Wayne Surch, 78, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2012 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, May 31, 2012 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers, in Stevensville. Burial will follow at Spring Run Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home or St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Wayne may do so on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Wayne was a longtime supporter of Camp Lor-Ray and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Lor-Ray Camp Association until his passing. He and his wife Elaine served a number of years as the Family Camp Manager.

Wayne was born August 30, 1933 in St. Joseph, MI to George & Gertrude (Reber) Surch. He graduated from St. Joseph High School. He served his Country in the United States Army. On July 12, 1955 he married Elaine Foondle in Stevensville. Wayne worked for George Miller & Sons as a heavy equipment operator for many years. In his spare time he loved fishing, farming, tractors and being outdoors. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Wayne is survived by his wife Elaine Surch of St. Joseph; daughter Denise (Jeff) Wynegar of Osceola, IN; sons Geoffrey (Jeanne) Surch of St. Joseph; Brian (Linda) Surch of Muskegon, MI, Joel (Leslie) Surch of Coloma, MI, and Jon (Pamela) Surch of Crystal Lake, IL; 11 grandchildren Brandy, Danielle, Josh, Jayme, Sarah, Mike, Jason, Mandy, Sarah, Emily, and Jacob; 7 great grandchildren Hannah, Gracie, Preston, Chris, Brennon, Riley, and Taj; nephew Craig; and niece Renee. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, sister Priscilla Hartman and brother George Surch.

We thank and praise God for bringing Wayne to a saving faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and look forward to a blessed reunion with him when our Creator calls each of us home. We remember Elaine and the Surch family in our thoughts and prayers, asking God to grant them comfort and healing in the days ahead.

Mike Brenner, Secretary
Lor-Ray Camp Association