Saturday, November 10th, I attended the Memorial Service
at the United Methodist Church in West Branch for Mr. Surline.
The church was packed..front to back and side to side. The memorial service
was wonderful...there were both humor and tears.
George D. Webb 2nd, Brother in law, shared his memories of Chet.
Randy Surline, Greg DeMatio, and the grandson of Mr. Surline, (Randall
J. Surline 2nd) each shared memories of their Dad, Granddad and friend.
Alissa Bunnell, great granddaughter of Mr. Surline, shared a scripture
reading from Ecclesiastes.
Tom Rose, who for 8 years was transportation superintendant under
the direction of Mr. Surline, shared his memories of working under Mr. Surline's leadership.
A beautiful luncheon, prepared and served by the people of the church, was
enjoyed by many after the service.
Graveside services were held at the Denton Township Cemetery at Houghton
Lake.
Mr. Surline and his wife, Ethel, and son Todd had lived at Houghton
Lake for several years.
Todd graduated from Houghton Lake High School.
Many family and friends attended the graveside services.
After Randy had placed the container of ashes in the open grave site...he
laid a folded green and white Michigan State necktie atop the box.
During the memorial service, almost everyone mentioned Mr. Surline's love for
Michigan State.
He was a good man.
We'll miss him.
