Roy R. Surprise

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Roy R. Surprise, 71, of Wakefield, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, near Gould City, Michigan.

Roy was born to Ethel (Bragdon) and Roy Surprise of Long Island, New York, on May 2, 1952. Roy attended Oscoda Area High School, Oscoda, Michigan, before entering the U.S. Air Force in October 1970. He earned an associate degree in science from Alpena Community College.

He married his high school sweetheart, Julie Keski, on Oct. 16, 1971, in Wakefield. They raised their two children, Melissa and Troy, while assigned to different military installations.

Roy enlisted in the Air Force on Oct. 28, 1970, and served his country for 20 years as a civil engineering water treatment specialist with a year assignment in Korea. He retired on Oct. 31, 1990. He then worked for the state of Nebraska as a health department water systems inspector in a 20-county area. Roy then accepted civil service employment with the U.S. Army at Fort Riley, Kansas, as a water plant operator. After six years at Fort Riley, he accepted a promotion to work civil service for the U.S. Air Force, 509 Civil Engineering Squadron, at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, as a water plant operator. Eventually, he promoted to the civil engineering infrastructure manager. After a 21-year civil service career, he decided to "hang his water bucket and lab tools" and took retirement in June 2012.

Roy is survived by his wife, Julie; two children, Melissa (Andy) Davis and Troy (Kim Kieffer), and a grandson, Drew Davis, all of Kansas; his sister-in-law, Gail Ellison; his brother-in-law, Randy "Mitta" Keski; two nieces and two nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by his mother, father, mother-in-law, Laura Keski, father-in-law Henry Keski and brother-in-law, Melvin Ellison.

Roy's greatest joy was his grandson, Drew, who was PaaPaa's boy.  Roy was an avid deer hunter and also enjoyed turkey hunting and trout fishing.

He was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church, a life-time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084, Wakefield, a member of American Legion Geroux Post 11, Wakefield, and the Corinthian Lodge 265 A.F. & A.M. in Warrensburg, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a monetary donation to All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., Wakefield, MI 49968, in Roy's name. Condolences can be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, July 20, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Lauri Maki officiating.

A committal service and interment will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the Grand Forks AFB Honor Guard.

Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements.