Obituary: John Paul Surak

John Paul Surak of Chino Valley, born to Stephen M. and Stephania M. (Shurgalla) Surak in Shamokin, Pa., May 4, 1922, went to his Lord on Jan. 25, 2009, in Prescott.

John is survived by his wife of almost 65 years Bettie "Madge" (Hanson) Surak; sister Kay Zaleskie of Rochelle Park, N.J.; three children, Robert J. of Chino Valley and Diane J. Garbutt and Kathleen M. Parker, both of Riverside, Calif. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

John served in the U.S. Marine Corps after the attacks on Pearl Harbor in the 6th division in the Micronesia campaign in the Pacific during World War II from 1942 to 1945, earning a Purple Heart in Okinawa. He returned to his wife Madge in Miami, Fla., began a study in electronics after the war and went to work for Douglas Aircraft Co. in California as an aerospace engineer, working on various NASA space programs until retiring after 29 years and moving to Yavapai County in 1979. He and Madge built and operated two restaurants in Chino Valley after their retirement. He instilled in his children and grandchildren his work ethic; love of his country and for travel all around the United States; and special food preparation. He was also a charter member and a Third Degree in the Knights of Columbus at St. Catherine Labouré.

A funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church in Chino Valley, Fr. Fred LaClaire CMF presiding

John always had a special love for aircraft and flight from the time of his youth and now he flies with his Lord and the angels.

Heritage Memory Mortuary assisted the family with the final arrangements.

Information provided by survivors.