Father Stanley Surman a priest of the Diocese of Saginaw, died on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. He served generously as a priest for more than 68 years.  Father Surman spoke five languages and was known for his generosity in serving the faithful in “The Thumb” area of Michigan for more than three decades. 

Father Surman was born on Jan. 23, 1931 in Krakow, Poland.  He attended the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, where he graduated with a degree in philosophy and theology. He studied under Karol Wojtyla, who later became Pope St. John Paul II. 

Father Surman was ordained a priest on June 26, 1956 in Krakow, Poland and incardinated into the Diocese of Saginaw on Feb. 23, 1967. He began his ministry in the Diocese of Sagianw by serving as chaplain at Holy Rosary Academy in Bay City. He then served as pastor of St. Mary of Czestochowa, Kinde; St. Mary, Parisville; Holy Family, Sebewaing and St. Joseph, Sandusky. Father Surman also served as chaplain of the Knights of Columbus in Bad Axe. Father Surman became a senior priest of the Diocese of Saginaw on July 14, 1999.  

Funeral and visitation details  

Father Surman’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at Annunciation of the Lord Parish, St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, 1709 Moeller Rd. Kinde. Bishop Robert Gruss will preside and Father Craig Carolan will be the homilist. Priests of the Diocese of Saginaw will concelebrate the Funeral Mass. The Rite of Committal will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery.  
 
Visitation will take place also at St. Mary's Church, Kinde on Thursday Sept. 12 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Vigil Prayer Service at 7 p.m. led by Father Craig Carolan. Prior to the vigil, the Knights of Columbus will lead the prayer of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m.