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Gerald Clifton "Jerry" Surfus

Gerald Surfus Obituary

Surfus, Gerald Clifton 'Jerry'
Aug. 28, 1934 - Oct. 19, 2015
Jerry Clifton Surfus, Attorney, 81, of Chicago, IL, formerly of Sarasota, FL, died on Oct. 19, 2015.
Attorney Gerald Clifton 'Jerry' Surfus completed his earthly life on October 19th at Seasons Hospice at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary (nee Walsh) and his parents Frances and Clifton Surfus. He was a resident of Chicago, Il. and Sarasota, Florida.
Gerald is survived by his five daughters Carrie Surfus Bell (Robert) and her son Kyle, Bonnie Kyburz (Michael), Amy Dunlap (Gary, deceased) and her children Cassandra and Jonathan, Daphne Kicklighter (Richy) and her sons Coley and Cooper and Emily Coakley (Joseph) and her daughters Fiona, Matilda and Aoife, along with his five sisters Sharon Carlson (Richard) and her children Steven, Julie and Tracy, Judith Perrine (Charles) and her son Jesse, Wendy George (Rick, deceased) and her children Molly and Alan, Holly Dietz (Adrian) and her daughter Marissa, Dawn Mulrow (Robert) and her children John, Judith and Jamie.

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Published by Herald Tribune on Nov. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Surfus

15 Entries

Nicole M Veltman

March 7, 2025

Just saw an old version of To Tell The Truth of Mr. Surfus & families dramatic tale of a horrifying sailing misadventure to the Bahamas. it was fascinating, so heartwarming to see what a wonderful life this beautiful family went on to lead. I happened upon his obituary while searching for greater details about the incident after catching his particular episode. Just felt compelled to leave a message to let you know your Dad is still touching people with his larger than life personality bringing perfect strangers a County to the North joy and smiles. Peace & God's blessings and love to all.

Emily Coakley

June 18, 2017

Thinking of you today. ♡

best dad

bonnie kyburz

November 12, 2015

Dad, You wanted "short declarative sentences!" I rarely complied. Now, in this circumstance, it's easier. I love you. I loved you. You gave everything to save so many.

I wish I could have done more to ease your burden. I wish I could have been your Sancho Panza, but it was too sad. I was not strong enough to be by your side. I am comforted by knowing your deep understanding of the difficulty of seeing loved ones suffer. YOU were strong enough.

I will always remember your love of theater, your devotion to sharing the arts with us. I will always remember talking about Dostoevsky with you. I called you once, weeping, agonizing over the dead horse scene. Then, you went out and bought me every book Dostoevsky had written. You wanted to help us find and nurture our passions. Thank you.

I will always remember going early morning fishing with you. We'd go to Waffle House before the sun rose. You seemed to delight in the single-serving sized grape jelly containers. We ate sunny side up eggs before venturing down to the moss-covered rocks, me barefoot, and you in some grown man-sized Keds. I never knew how you could stand to wear shoes on those rocks because I loved the feeling of slipping, unsteady, even as I could use my legs to find balance. You were like, "shoes." Practical, stoically waiting for The Big Fish to come in. We never caught much, but we took away this silently pink-orange-sky morning time together.

I hope you see that I have actually tried here to write shorter sentences. It's agony. This is hard. I have not been processing this well. I'll close simply, then. I love you. I loved you. I will love you forever.

November 11, 2015

I honor my brother, Captain Gerald Surfus, for his 8 years in the United States Air Force. His service was not during war time, thus, unfortunately, "Jerry" was not eligible for Veteran's benefits. However, he deserves a great thank you from Americans on Veteran's Day, as the work he did as a navigator mapping "enemy" territory during the Cold War was secret and very dangerous. With prideful reverie of my handsome brother in his Air Force uniform.
Judy

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Emily Coakley

November 10, 2015

I love you forever, daddy! :(

Carrie, Bonnie, Amy ,Daphne and Emily

Amy Dunlap

November 8, 2015

Mary

Amy Dunlap

November 8, 2015

Jerry with baby Bonnie and Carrie

Amy Dunlap

November 8, 2015

Amy Dunlap (Surfus)

November 8, 2015

♡♡♡

Diane Such

November 3, 2015

Our deepest condolences. We think of Mr. Surfus often, as he was the best boss we ever had. He always made me feel like a part of the family. He was the most generous, giving and loving man I have had the opportunity of knowing. God Bless You All! Jack & Diane

Cindy Christo Brown

November 2, 2015

Jerry had a great mind, warm heart and quick wit. He helped me (and my kids) through a tough time, and I'll never forget it. My condolences on the loss of your dad and grandfather.

Mary S. Mack

November 1, 2015

My condolences to the family. Mr. Surfus was a lifesaver to me. But thank God for him and how he helped me and my little ones.

D'Ann Wernick

November 1, 2015

Hello, my first husband and I knew Jerry and Mary in Sarasota FL, back in the 60's and early 70's. We spent many an evening around the kitchen table on Constitution laughing and comparing notes on child rearing! My husband was from the same little town in Wisconsin as Mary, Lancaster! Jerry was always bigger than life, and I have some wonderful stories that I still tell today that only Jerry could have originated. My deepest condolences to you and your families.
D'Ann Stevens Wernick.

D'Ann Wernick

November 1, 2015

Hello to the Family of Jerry. My first husband (John Stevens) and I were dear friends of Mary and Jerry in the 1960's and early 70's in Sarasota FL. Jerry was one of those "most unforgettable" people in my life. I cannot begin to tell you girls how many times we sat around the table on Constitution Blvd. laughing. I divorced and moved away from the area and returned in the early 90's with my new husband and life. I ran into Mary getting my nails done, and we had some wonderful memory sharing. So, so sorry to hear both have passed, frankly I was shocked. My deepest condolences to you all. D'Ann (Dee) Wernick.

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